View Obituaries
Remembering Lives, Celebrating Legacies
Remembering those who have left us. This obituaries page is a simple tribute to individuals who touched our lives. May their legacies endure in our memories.
Daniel D. Gerdes
07/30/1954 - 08/27/2023
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/2520/401532/folder.jpg)
Obituary For Daniel D. Gerdes
Daniel Gerdes, 69, of Rapid City, beloved spouse, father, brother, and uncle, died Sunday, August 27, 2023, in his home.
The youngest of 3 children, Daniel Delmar Gerdes was born July 30, 1954, to Delmar and Maureen (Wherry) Gerdes in Faulkton, SD. Daniel moved around a bit throughout his life. Although he was born in Faulkton, he resided in Wecota, SD with family from 1954-1961. From 1961-1963 he resided in Timberlake, SD. He went through 2nd and 3rd grade there. As a devout Catholic and storyteller, he always talked about playing softball with the Presentation Sisters.
From 1963-1972 Dan found his home in Miller, SD. Dan has too many stories to share about this place and the people who live there. Daniel’s high school record was spectacular. In 1972 he graduated with a cacophony of accolades. Dan was involved in everything from music to sports. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. In band, he played the trombone. One of his crowning achievements was being a shining member of the miraculous 1972 Miller Rustler state champion basketball team. This team was inducted into the South Dakota High School Hall of Fame as being one of the best teams in the history of the state. His jersey numbers were 44 and 45 and he was a starting post position player for the team with an absolutely impressive record. He had one of the highest free throw completion percentages for that year.
Dan Gerdes went to the University of South Dakota in 1972 and graduated with a B.S. in 1976. At his time there he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Dan was the kitchen manager of the fraternity house while he was there and worked as a house boy for a sorority. He loved to go to fraternity events throughout his life. One year, he was the only fraternity member on his float for the Dakota Day parade. His time in Vermillion and the friends that he made would forever be loved and spoken about.
As soon as he graduated from college, he moved to Mission, SD working for the State in Child Protective Services. He adored the Native people and their culture. Dan loved their community gardens and special friends that he made while there.
His next stop was Deadwood, SD where he transferred with his state job. So many close friends were made there. Dan had too many stories from this place that it could not be fit here. Just know that if you ever had the pleasure to work with Dan, he could recite all your shenanigans with great color and detail. He was the best storyteller. While he was there, he played trombone in the municipal band. When Dan would speak of Deadwood, he only had fun memories. When his time there concluded he moved to Rapid City, SD where he would continue to work for social services.
In Rapid City, he met his wife, Nanette Gerdes. Dan was a saddle-shoed social butterfly back in the day. He would do flips down the office isle, made the best “Friday popcorn”, had a rubber chicken in his office, and asked coworkers if they, “Want a Fresca?” to lighten the workday. Dan made work fun and was a character in every form of the word- just a genuine joy.
Dan married Nan on July 29, 1989, and to that union were born Caitlin Joy and Spencer Daniel. His children were his everything. Dan was the most patient, loving, loyal Dad. His kids were raised right and will always have their father with them. Nan will forever miss him.
Dan is survived by his wife Nanette (Oviatt) and children Caitlin and Spencer. Companions at home are Darby, Penny Lane, Sophia, and Ophelia. Those four are still waiting for Dan to come home. Sisters: Connie Schroeder (Steve) and Terri Bettin (Scott). Sisters-in-law: Jo Sherley and Gretchen Foley (Pat). Dan also has a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Maureen, several uncles, and aunts, along with two brothers-in-law.
“Because my Father loved his soul, love is the whole and more than all” “Love never dies”
“Rest in power”
-Various author's
Live Stream
Services
Visitation
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Interment
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
/fit-in/600x600/filters:fill(white)/prod/2520/401532/GerdesDanielservicefolder.jpg)
/fit-in/150x150/filters:fill(white)/prod/2520/401532/GerdesDanielservicefolder.jpg)
Condolences
-
04/09/2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Condolences to Nan and family at this very sad time. I always thought Dan was a very nice guy. Heaven has gained another angel. - Posted by Kim Mutschelknaus on August 30, 2023
-
04/09/2024
I was so privileged to have known Dan and worked with him for a number of years at DSS in Rapid City. I have fun memories of his many antics in the office. He had such a gift for making people laugh. Work was never boring or monotonous with Dan around. He was always surprising us with something. My favorite was his impersonation of "the unknown comic". My heart goes out to Nan and family. - Posted by Sandy Feickert on August 30, 2023
-
04/09/2024
In school I always thought of Dan as a really good guy. You just never know how people will turn out, and after reading his obituary, I see my perception of him was greatly exceeded by his actual life. His family and friends can take comfort in the knowledge that they are not the only ones who will be missing Dan. I am glad to know that he lived his life making people happy, making people's lives better, and basically doing what each of us are called on by God to do. Way to go, Dan! Hope to see you in Heaven some day, because I know that's where you are. My condolences to the family during this very difficult time. - Posted by Donna Hamaker on August 30, 2023
-
04/09/2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you Nan and family during this difficult time. May the good Lord shower you all with his blessings and give you peace. Dan was a very special person with a heart of gold, he will truly be missed by many. Deepest sympathies. Hugs 🤗 - Posted by Debbie Miller on August 31, 2023
-
04/09/2024
I am so sorry Nan, Dan was such a good person, and definitely was a blessing and a privilege to have known him. You two were so beautiful together! He is leaving very big shoes for your kiddos to fill, but I think he was a great teacher and they will have no problem! Blessings forever my friend, Gwen (DSSCSS retired) - Posted by Gwen Menke on August 31, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Caitlin I am so sad to hear of your dads passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time. May God hold you in his arms during this time of healing. Prayers, Danette - Posted by Danette on August 31, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Nan and family- I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed getting to know Dan at DSS. He always had something funny or off topic to share, which I enjoyed. He is the only guy I know that could pull off wearing those saddle shoes. 😊. Thinking of you at this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you and give you each the strength you need right now. - Posted by Lori Janssen on August 31, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Miss you Dan. We all do.❤️ - Posted by Nan Gerdes on September 1, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Worked with Dan for a number of years. He was a great guy and he made work a lot of fun. Condolences to the family. He will be missed. - Posted by Kim Hedeneskog on September 1, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Dan-o, Thanks for being you! A true Hall of Famer in every sense of the word, as a father and husband, boss- the best!!!!, friend, and of course as an integral player on the best high school basketball team in South Dakota history. Always so kind and funny, you are appreciated and loved! Rest in Paradise Dan-o! - Posted by Steve Avery on September 1, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Many condolences to all of Dan's loved ones and friends, and his pets. What a great person he was. And on behalf of the South Dakota State Employees Organization, of which Dan was a past member and board member of, I could never say enough good things about him. In addition to being a great person, he was the epitome of a true public servant. Rest in Peace, Dan. Miss you, old friend. See you around the bend. - Posted by Eric D Ollila on September 1, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Nan and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. Will keep him and your family in my prayers. His goodness and public service will not be forgotten and enriched many in our community. His stories, dry humor and wit make him a joy to be around. He was. Good and Faithful servant in many ways. Blessings and condolences! Jim and Lisa Kinyon - Posted by Jim and Lisa Kinyon on September 2, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Cousin Nan, We are so sorry for your loss. A companion and partner is a lifelong gift. Our thoughts remain with you all. Love, Rebecca and Jerry - Posted by Rebecca Phillips on September 4, 2023
-
04/09/2024
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I spent many enjoyable hours discussing state employee issues with him during my membership with SDSEO. What a delightful and funny man he was. - Posted by Crystal Bach on September 5, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Nan, Spencer, and Caitlin - Steve and I are so sad to hear of Dan's death. He was such a unique and special individual. He always brought a smile to our hearts, and we will miss him a LOT. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve his death. Stay strong! Mary Stein and Steve Abraham - Posted by Mary Stein on September 5, 2023
-
04/09/2024
So very sorry to hear of passing of Dan. He was a wonderful classmate, friend and roommate. I was unable to make the service as was out of town but please know the whole family has been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! RIP G-Man! - Posted by Dave Beranek on September 6, 2023
-
04/09/2024
Miss you dad! - Posted by Caitlin on September 27, 2023
Add a Candle
Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.
Grief Resources
Grief resources offer vital support and guidance for individuals coping with loss, providing tools and community for healing.
Contact Us
Please contact us with any questions you have regarding advanced planning, services, grief resources, and any additional information needed during this time period.
Writing an Obituary
Writing an obituary is a poignant and reflective process, encapsulating the essence of a person’s life, achievements, and impact in a heartfelt tribute.