Carl Gerdes

As a wild child he bounced around Texas, Illinois, and New Mexico ultimately graduating at West Mesa High School. Immediately following high school he enlisted in the Army as an Airborne Ranger and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was a proud American and supporter of the armed forces throughout his life.

After several years as a free spirit and entrepreneur, he eventually made his way to Colorado to settle down and raise his family on a farm and in the suburbs of Erie, Colorado. His life was full of sacrifice and giving to those around him. He fostered over 60+ high needs children in his home. On the weekend he would volunteer and counsel at half-way houses for high-risk youth. He volunteered at homeless shelters, food banks, and held outreaches in low income neighborhoods. Serving in the ministry for over 25 years was one of his greatest accomplishments; hosting Christian radio and eventually becoming an ordained Pastor for Living the Truth Ministries. His faith was mighty and impacted all who encountered him.

Some of his other passions included his love and care of animals, (specifically labradors) singing at the top of his lungs regardless of how it sounded, bike riding, golfing with his daughters, and range time with his son-in-laws. This eventually brought him to the next chapter in his life working at Magpul for five years.

However, his biggest joy in life came from being with his daughters and their families. The chaos of five grandchildren in his apartment was something he always looked forward to. Whether it was sipping a cup of piping hot coffee while watching a western, or enjoying a cold Budweiser on the patio while grilling a steak, Carl spent the last years of life surrounded with the things and those he loved.

Despite all of his health battles, Carl was a fighter until the very end and managed to even confuse his own Oncologist. Defying the odds and proving what a true miracle looks like; his devoted faith and family support gave him the extra quality time to be with his daughters and witness his grandchildren grow up. Weekly visits and holidays were so much brighter because God blessed him with the precious gift of extra time. Carl was very impactful having touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded by his parents, Dan and Peggy Gerdes, and Gloria Adams, and his son Justin Thomas.

He is survived by his children, Lizabeth (Chris) Baldivia with grandkids Aiden and Carly; Joanna (Jared) Fender with grandkids Amberly, Deklin, and Jaxon; Jamin Gerdes with grandkids Jordan and Gray Gerdes, his siblings Roger Minor, Don Gerdes, and Deanna Velhagen; as well as countless family and friends who loved him.

A funeral service for Carl will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont, CO 80501. The committal service will be a private burial service at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80236.