Mr. Gaede was my 5th & 6th grade teacher at Zion. He was a great influence for me to be in athletics in high school and college and later become a Physical Education teacher for 27 years now!! Mom and I were so glad we visited him in the hospital recently. He so enjoyed talking about his anniversary trip to CO. and some Zion "playground" memories. Thanks Mr. Gaede for positively impacting so many of your former students.

I was saddened to hear about Mr. Gaede's passing. I and my twin sister were students at Zion during the Sixties. In fact, there were two sets of twins in the same class, year after year. Mr. G would call me Pepper because he could not keep our names staight, Dusty and Rusty Trevathan. He had the patience of Job... I struggled with math and he would say " one day you will get it" and he was right!  I went on to teach Special Ed students and always thought of my mentor, he was so special. My heart and prayers go out to all the family. Dusty Trevathan Bernhard- San Antonio, Tx

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Gaede through this heartbreaking time. There's nothing I can say that will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of his family. My deepest condolences.

Mr. Gaede was and will always be the most importand teacher and coach I ever had the luck of learning from and being coached by. He will live on in my mind thru his famous phrases some of which I repeat to myself daily. I had the pleasure of shaking his hand at the 2008 LSA homecoming and telling him just that. He looked me in my eye and called me by my God given name after not seeing me for 20 years. Truly an amazing man.

Mr. Gaede was one of my teachers at Zion and certainly made a lasting impression. There is one lesson that resonates within me. One moring, Mr. Gaede took our class into the church, had us open the hymnals to "What a Friend we Have in Jesus" and explained the true meaning of that song.  To this day, each time I sing the hymn I remember that lesson.  He was a true disciple of Christ!

Dick Gaede was one of the finest and honest men I have ever known.
We enjoyed many fast pitch softball games together at Zion. He was the only man I ever knew who could throw the ball in from deep center field straight to the catcher on one bounce. Caught many a runner trying to beat the throw!  Dick had a very positive influence on our two daughters Julie and Lisa who are still active in church and also athletic activities. He ran the good race and I am sure is relaxing in his just reward. Jo and children, Alice and I send our deepest sympathy and are praying you are experiencing that peace which comes from knowing he is in the arms of Jesus.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know Mr. Gaede.  In elementary school and all through high school my husband (Nick Haines) was very close to the Gaede family, and was best friends with their son Neil.  The Gaedes were there for Nick as a second family, when his own family went through a period of uncertain times.  Nick has always considered Mr and Mrs Gaede as his second family.  This past year, I felt a deep need to go back to Houston to visit old friends.  Nick wanted to go with me, but had to work.  The Gaedes were first on my list of people to visit, and it was so good to see them again.  Even after not having seen them for 14 years since Nick and I had moved to Alabama, when I did see Dick and Jo on last year's summer trip, it was just like old times.  They are both some of the most inspiring people I have ever met, and Mr. Gaede always found good in any situation, no matter how bad it may seem on the outside, on the inside his faith in God was so great, that nothing got him down.  He was an inspiration, and we will miss him dearly.

"What an honor it was to have known Mr. Gaede. Our family first had the pleasure of meeting him 20 yrs. ago when our oldest daughter was enrolled at Zion when she was in the 7th grade.What an awesome experience for her to have had him as her first teacher being at a new school.Since then it has been a true blessing to have had this wonderful man touch our life in so many ways throughout the years. He will be truely missed! I had never been to a more powerful memorial..made you walk out wanting to be a better person because of him... for him. The ending of the service was simply breathtaking! He will always be one of our favorites.To the Gaede family,Wherever a beautiful soul has been...there is a trail of beautiful memories.Our thoughts and love are going out to each of you... Our hopes and prayers are going up to him."

Mr Gaede offered countless stories of life as a kid when he grew up in Nebraska each and every time someone in our class complained.  Some how he always had it harder.  While there are many memories to recall the one that comes to mind first was his willingness and desire to make us all better students, athletes and disciples of God.  And he always said Texas history was far more exiciting than Nebraska history.  I was blessed to have known him.

Coach Gaede was a great coach he taught us about foot ball and life. He asked for all we had and gave us all He had in return. He asked for 110% and we wanted to give him 120%. All my football memories have him in it.I am so sorry for your loss I guess God just need a new coach. I hope he is coaching when i get there.

Donald Shepperd Lutheran High  class of 1984

Coach Gaede was a great coach. He taught us how to be a team and to be there for each other. I cant remember a football story or event that does not have him in it. He always asked for all we had and gave us all he had in return. If he asked you for 110% you wanted to give him 120%. He would walk by and grab my face mask to try and make me blink. The last time I saw him I had not seen him in about 15 years and He remembered me like we had just come off the field. I guess God needed a new coach for heavens football team and I hope he is the coach when I make it there. I am so sorry that he is no longer with us.

Donald Shepperd , Lutheran High  class of 84

Lots of memories of Mr. Gaede... Around 1972 in 4th or 5th grade he used to have me hold books in class with my hands stretched out. I guess that old-school discipline paid off! I have some great muscles in my arms! I remember he loved coaching on the field across the street from Zion, next to Sears. Loved it, and have been involved in sports all my life! And he could tell some great stories! I remember your family came out to our beach house in Galveston once and Erika fell off the pier. He swooped her out of the water so fast, it was like she was never in! All I heard was a little splash and then she was on the pier hollering and aok! Good dad. ? & prayers.

What a blessing to have a wonderful man as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach.  Susan, I am so sorry for your Dad's passing. The times that I went to your home, your dad always had something funny to say and I could see that he loved his family so much.  He made a person feel at home and I see his humor in you.  He will always be there looking out for your mom, Becky, Erika, Neil, the grandkids and of course, his youngest daughter, you, who was always there for him.  May God Bless this wonderful family and protect you at all times.  Good Night Mr. Gaede, you will be sorely missed.  Lots of love to the family.

Dick Gaede was a wonderful Christain man
and everyone loved him. He taught our son and three grandsons and they all thought he was the greatest. My husband,
Porter (who went to be with the Lord on
05/02/08) thought the world of him.
All of his family are in our prayers. Mary Gardner and family

Thank you "Papa" Gaede.  You will always be one of God's greatest blessings to this world.

We put our son, Jimmy, in Zion his second grade year.  Since that day,Dick has influenced his life as well as ours.  Dick knew Jimmy would be great football player from the frist he saw him.  Dick would tell me, he could not wait to be his coach.  It didn't happen, Jimmy went to LSN, but Dick was there to support him.  Even though college, Concordia Seward, he was there.   Dick wrote him an introduction letter that I will always cherish.  Every time Jimmy was mention in a publication, Dick would call me to make sure I had it.  Jo and Dick would be the frist to contact us though tragic and happy times.  Our family will miss him.   Jimmy was happy to find out that he and Courtney got married on Jo and Dick date June 19. We want you to know, you and your family are always in our thoughts and prays

Mr Gaede was a gift to all of his students. I told him I didn't want to go school anymore (5th). He gave me a shovel and a spot out behind the school to start digging. This was to prove what it was like to do hard labor for 8 hours a day. The only shovel I have picked up since is the one I use on my own property. I am 42 years old today and lessons learned are never forgotten. 
Thank you Mr Gaede and God bless you and yours. 
Ricky Eaton

Mr. Gaede was a true man of God. I remember him at Zion Lutheran School, telling the kids who didn't wear belts to school, that they could wear Calvin Twine belts - a piece of twine as a belt! I loved it! I loved him. He was a great singer at church and was a wonderful example to men of all ages. He will be greatly missed. Laura Castillo

In addition to my Father, Coach Gaede influenced me more than any other male role model growing up. His lessons on tenacity and perseverance still inspire me. Any a young man that had the opportunity to be coached by him learned much more than just football...
There are many young men that he coached that are now in mid-life that were shaped by the lessons and inspiration he instilled in his players. God Bless Coach Gaede for his contributions to the generations of young men that were permanently influenced by his tenacity and grit. He never realized how much impact he had on my life and the many others that were blessed to be coached under him. He will be truly missed by many.

What a wonderful role model! This great icon will be missed.

It is hard to put into words the impact Mr. Gaede had on my life through the years.  He was a wonderful teacher and role model.  He will be greatly missed.  Please know that your entire family is in my prayers.

Mr Gaede was a most amazing person. He was there when I needed him most as a young man. I am proud to have known him as a coach and a friend. I am thankful that God led him to me and my family. He will be truly missed.

Pappa Gaede we will miss you greatly - always loved hearing your story's, very interesting and fascinating and you were full of knowledge - you were definitely a gift from God.  May you rest in peace.  My prayers, thoughts and love are with you all Mama Gaede, Becky, Erika, Susan & Neil.

Our sincere condolences are with Mrs. Gaede and family at this time. We will deeply miss seeing Mr. Gaede at church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely...

Neil, 

I am truly sorry to hear of your dad's passing.  Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our family has a special place in our hearts for "Papa" Gaede.  Mr. Graede was a truly remarkable man and will be missed by all.  He loved God, his family, and life.  He definitely made our family feel special.  He always had a smile and kind word.  Our prayers go out to "Mama" Gaede and family.  Paul, Jeannie, Chris, & Amber Minnick

The time I spent with Coach Gaede was all on the football field. He was fired up for every practice.  There was no slacking off around Coach Gaede.  If he couldn't fire you up then you probably couldn't be motivated.  I've told stories about those days with Coach many times to my family.  In reading the messages in  the guest book it sounds like he had a big influence on many peoples lives.  Thank God for coaches and teachers like Coach Gaede.

Mr. Gaede was the best teacher I ever had and one of the best men I ever had the privilege to meet.  He made us dig deep to be the best we could be.  He had faith in me and made me have faith in myself.  My children have grown up hearing Mr. Gaede stories and I'm sorry that we were not around for him to teach them.  I can't imagine the loss y'all must feel at this time, because mine is great and I haven't had the pleasure of seeing him in many years.  But I carry him with me.  He was a great influence in my life and I admire him a great deal. I hope it gives you some comfort to know what a major influence he had on so many of his students. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  With sincere and deep sympathy.

Jo and Family, Our thougts and prayers go out to you and your family. Dick was a very fine christian to so many. A great loss to us all We will always remember him singing in our Praise Team at Zion.  He will be greatly missed...

My condolences to your family during this grievous time. enjoy the many memories that you have of your love one.

Mr. Gaede was a great teacher.  He taught his students many life lessons.  He will be missed.  His wood turning work was beautiful.  The Hebert Family

To Jo, Becky, Erika, Susan and Neil - I have tried several times to write something and each time came up short - because I'm not sure how to express what I feel.  I cried Saturday morning when I heard the news.  It just really hit me hard.  So many stories, so many impressions, a memorable teacher and man - and I know in the next few days you will get an idea of the impact he had on so many.  After we left Zion, our paths didn't cross quite so often - but when they did, he was the same storyteller and jokester that he ever was.  I thoroughly enjoyed my visits with him in recent times and will always remember him as a great man.  And of course, how can I ever forget his pet name for me - "Mouse" - that stuck until after I got into high school...
Love to each of you - I will keep you in my prayers!

Coach Gaede was my line coach at Lutheran High from 1974 to 1978. He was a great influnece on my life, I thought of him often. He also taught my wife at Zion Lutheran. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. In Christ Randy and Janice (Rose) Beale

What a total pleasure and blessing Mr. Gaede was to our lives. His Christianity, leadership and caring attitude were like a beacon of light.  He always had a way of making people feel good about themselves. He truly cared. 
As a teacher, he inspired the students and cared for each one of them. For years they would come back to see him and talk to him and hear a story.
He truly loved his family. He and his family were a wonderful example of what a Christian family is all about.
He is with our Lord now, and we know he suffers no more. This earth, however, will never be the same without him.
May God be with his family and friends and give them peace.

My husband and I always said that the best investment we ever made was the  K-8 years our three children had at Zion Lutheran School. They learned far more than the 3 R's! They learned life lessons that they still apply to this day. A huge part of that was due to Dick Gaede. They used to tell us things at dinner each night - usually a "Kansas story" or something about sports! Dick was such a positive influence on them during those important years. When we lost Mike at 17 I had NO doubt that he was with our Lord - Dick was one who taught him what he needed to know and do to assure that his eternal home and goal was Heaven. He was a friend to our entire family for many years and was there to support us again during my husband's illness and passing. I'm not leaving you out, Jo. You were right there too. Every step of the way. Vernon and I and Mike, Bro and Molly hold a special place in our hearts for you and Dick and your children. I am comforted to know that Mike and Vernon are there in Heaven to welcome him to his eternal home.He fought hard through many obstacles these last years and God saw that it was time for him to rest. Our heartfelt love and sympathy go out to you and your children and grandchildren. You will miss him so much but oh, what wonderful memories you have of a beautiful life with family, friends and service to God.
"Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time".  
God bless you and your family..... and God bless Dick Gaede.
Jeri, "Bro" and Molly Nixon

Jo and Family,

I'm so very sorry to hear this sad news, but rejoice that Dick is with his loving Lord, his son and family who were there to meet him.  What joy there must have been when he arrived "home".  I remember when he and Ronnie played softball together - so many years ago.  Those were fun times, indeed.  My prayers are with all of you at this time.

"Coach" was my golfing partner at our Thursday morning Beacon Lakes golf course seniors day tournaments. We shared many good moments including his hole in one.  He was a great and kind friend that will be sorely missed.

I can only add my full agreement to everything said by all.  Mr. Gaede was a great human being, a great coach and a great friend.  Jo, the same goes for you.  I feel very fortunage to have had both of you as teachers at a very young age.  God bless you and your family as you grieve, even though there is no doubt he is in a far far better place.

All of the Forehand children had Mr. Gaede as a teacher at Zion Lutheran and loved him dearly.  He was an amazing teacher and will be forever remembered by the Forehand family.

Mr Gaede was a wonderful man, so kind and caring. A true Christian indeed. Our sympathys go to Jo and her family. I have know   Mr. Gaede for 50 plus years and he always had a smile and inspiring word for me. God speed.

So sorry to hear about Coach Gaede, yet he enjoyed a wonderful life giving of himself and influencing many. I remember Coach Gaede helping Lutheran South on the football field and will always remember him as much for humor and toughness and that whistle, kindly nudging us to get better. Bless you Coach for being a positive role model in my life.

Mr Gaede was a great man. A teacher, mentor and leader. I only wish my own children could spend a day with someone who knew exactly what was right and wrong. Mr. Gaede was much more than a teacher but a disciple of Christ. May you rest in peace and my condolences to the family. 

Matthew Oren (Houston, Texas)

Mr. Gaede was a very kind and friendly man and teacher, I enrolled my son at Zion when he was in the 3rd grade.  That is when we first met the Gaede's.  Mr. Gaede was one of my sons teachers and was a influential role model for Jay.  I will always be greatful in the role that Mr. Gaede played in Jay's life.  My love and prayers go out to Jo and the family.

Our family had the upmost respect and love for Mr. Gaede. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. God Bless you and we'll keep you in our prayers. Richard and Sharon Cunningham and family.

We lost one of the most amazing teachers I've ever met last Friday. Mr. Gaede was a true gift from God. He was my favorite teacher not because he was sweet, easy or wanted to be our friend. He was the best because he made a difference in his students' lives. He expected a lot out of us and he wanted us to expect a lot out of ourselves. I questioned him once about why an A wasn't the same at our school as in public school, he said "if you don't set your standards high, you won't ever meet your full potential". He was an amazing influence in my life and I will always love him.
Prayer for you all.

Mr. Gaede was a true gift from God. He was my favorite teacher not because he was sweet, easy or wanted to be our friend.  He was the best because he made a difference in his students' lives.  He expected a lot out of us and he wanted us to expect a lot out of ourselves. I questioned him once about why an A wasn't the same at our school as in public school, he said "if you don't set your standards high, you won't ever meet your full potential". He was an amazing influence in my life and I will always love him.

Mr. Gaede was one of the greatest story tellers in this big old world. Although, I was a member of Austin Avenue Baptist Church, I went to Zion from K-8th grade. Mrs. Gaede was morning kindergarten teacher and I did not really know Mr. Gaede until 6th grade.  He then became my teacher, my coach, my mentor and my support.  As an adult, he became my friend.  He took time for me that can never be replaced.  He did not make me what I am, but he did make me what I am not.  He cared to correct when others would have let it go.  For all the stories he would share about his youth, his college and even as a teacher and father when I was older; have also allowed me just as many stories to share about him and his impact on my life.  
Mrs. Gaede, you and Mr. Gaede exemplified God, love, family and country.  The education you both shared with all of us exceeded school books.  You always remembered me at each gathering and could always share a story about days at Zion and Lutheran High that included me.  I am not trying to sound selfish I am saying how special that made me feel long after your job with me was done, that I was still in your heart.  With so many many students through your lives and you could still recall me by name and incident.  For all the tears and pain we will share with you today and days to come, we have so much more in love and laughter to share too.  Maybe we will get that book written we have all always discussed.  
I remember the day he told me that this day would come and it would come without warning and he said not to worry with a laugh, guess he always knew I didn't lose things I love too gracefully.   So, guess he still kept me ready for the tests.  I have so many accolades to sing about Mr. Gaede.  He was the best of the best!!  He will forever be loved, respected, honored and missed.  Thank you, Mr. Gaede!!!
Every bit of my heart and soul surrounds you in love and prayer, Mrs. Gaede and family.

Mr. Gaede was a man that I loved and respected. My family moved to this area in 1963 and I started the 3rd grade at Zion Lutheran School. Mr Gaede was a teacher I respected and loved from that begining. He was a teacher, coach, role model, friend, most important a man who helped shape my life from 3rd grade to 8th grade. In those years he also led me to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He was an example of a Father leading his family to worship Christ. 
I am grateful that this man was in my life. 
After 8th grade and beyond not one coach that I had could measure up to Richard Gaede. 
Most of the times that I have competed in any sport I always think of Coach Gaede and his leadership. 
I am forever grateful that I knew him and I am looking forward to seeing him again through the Grace of Jesus Christ. 
My family will be praying for Mrs Gaede and family in the coming days, months, & years. 
Martin Reim & family.

OBITUARY

Richard Herbert Gaede

8 January, 1937 – 20 August, 2010

Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery

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