Larry Gerdes

Born in Refugio, Texas on December 3rd, 1940, Larry enjoyed an active childhood. He participated in the local Boy Scout troop and ventured on many hunting trips with his father. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas, then soon after married his high-school sweetheart, Ann Wunsch.

After serving in the National Guard, Larry began a career in the auto industry. Through years of hard work, he climbed from an entry level position at a San Antonio Ford dealership to partner and executive manager of over twenty top performing dealerships in Texas. His career sparked a passion for all things auto. He enjoyed classic car shows and auctions, even collecting a few classics for himself. He was a lifelong member of the National Automobile Dealers Association and Houston Automobile Dealers Association.

Always an avid sports fan, Larry joined the partnership owning the Houston Rockets from 1983 to 1993. He shared this passion with his family, who all could be found cheering courtside at most every home game.

Family was a top priority for Larry, who always kept everyone nearby. Through the summer, he hosted family and friends at his home on Lake Conroe where he could be found grilling, boating, enjoying an ice cream cone, and teaching kids to fish.

Larry spent many weekends fishing the Gulf Coast. Along with close fisherman friends, he founded the Four F Fishing Club and hosted monthly fishing tournaments for local fisherman. No fish could escape his freshly painted lures hanging from one of his dozens of fishing poles. Larry actively gave back to Texas coastal communities through his involvement with the Costal Conservation Association.

Larry was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Ann Wunsch Gerdes, by two daughters, Laurie Walden and Brenda McDuffie, and by two sons-in-law, Pat Walden and Mike McDuffie. His legacy will live on through his three loving granddaughters, Mindy McDuffie, Madison McDuffie, and Hayley Walden. His brother, Joe Dale Gerdes, also survives him. His parents, Henry Gerdes and Josephine Sullivan Gerdes, precede him in death.

His family would like to extend their deep appreciation to Francis Guzman for her compassionate care and dedicated service over the past several months.

Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from half past six until nine o’clock, with a rosary to begin at eight o’clock, the evening of Monday, February 12th in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis and Sons – 1010 Bering Dr. in Houston, Texas.

A Mass will be offered at ten o’clock the morning of February 13th at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church – 1801 Sage Rd. in Houston, Texas. A reception in the Parish Life Center will follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Charity Guild of Catholic Women, 1203 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006.