Keith Eugene Gerry

Gerry, Keith E. OREGON Keith Eugene Gerry, age 85, died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, after six years of battling Alzheimer disease. He was born on Nov. 10, 1923, in Sac City, Iowa the son of Glenn and Mae (Vauble) Gerry. Keith began working at the age of 11 and never stopped working. He graduated from Sac City High School, having especially enjoyed playing tuba in the band. Keith worked at the Sac City Creamery, where he eventually met his beloved wife, Doris. He served proudly with the U.S. Army during World War II in the ground forces and was in the Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge. During this time, he was seriously wounded and lost his hearing and nearly lost a leg. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and many badges of honor. Upon returning home, he enrolled in the Dairy Management Course at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. After graduating, he spent a year practicing dairy management in plants across the U.S. from Maine to Colorado. He settled into management at Krebs Dutch Girl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Keith and Doris Heckman, a school teacher, were married June 29, 1952, at the Lytton Presbyterian Church and had 56 years of a very loving marriage. They were blessed to have a family of three children, Brent (deceased), Nalene, and Leanne. In the active years of dairying, Keith managed dairy plants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Anamosa, Iowa, Alta, Iowa, Antigo, Wisc. and in Madison. He belonged to Kiwanis, Alta Chamber of Commerce and was deeply involved in church affairs. While in Alta, Iowa, he instigated the creation of a stock car track and a golf course. While in Antigo, Keith was involved in the formation of Associated Milk Producers, Inc (AMPI). His new office was in Madison, from which he also became director of a three state region, besides the plant management there. Keith moved his family to Oregon to live the next 38 years. Besides his love of family, yard and garden, he devoted much time and effort in serving the Presbyterian Church in every possible way. In Oregon, Keith was instrumental in the development of the Genesis Housing and Rolling Meadows homes. He loved traveling with his family. Keith enjoyed being with friends; especially the "Friday Night Groupie". His life was lived with deep faith and gentleness. In addition to his wife, Doris; survivors include his two daughters, Nalene (Steven) Sullivan and Leanne (Michael) Hake; his grandchildren, Derek, Belinda, and Bethany; five great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ivadel Gerry; a brother-in-law, Vernol Block; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; a brother-in-law; and his son, Brent. Funeral services will be held at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 172 N. Main St., Oregon at 11 A.M. on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, with Rev. Clara Thompson presiding. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be made to various worthy causes in Keiths name. Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Centers 431 Soden Drive (608) 835-3515 www.gundersonfh.com