Donald E. Gerhardt

Don Gerhardt, loving husband and father, passed away in his home on October 2nd. He is survived by his wife Judith, son Aaron and his wife Laura, his sister Judy and many friends and extended family. He joins his parents Ed and Naomi and his two sisters Janice and Rita, and her husband Loren at home with his Heavenly Father.

Dad grew up in Ortonville, MN where his family was a close community who loved and supported him. He loved hunting and fishing with the family, and sharing time with his family and friends on the picnic patio that over looked Big Stone Lake. He graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead MN where he played football and won the national championship in 1964. After College Don played professional football in Canada for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. They won the Grey Cup in 1966.

Don was an amazing family man who spent his life dedicated to providing for his wife and son. He spent the majority of his life working within the healthcare industry running clinics, HMOs, and other healthcare related companies. He worked to be an example of servant leadership and was always willing to do whatever it took to make sure that people knew that they were valued for who they were. He retired from LifeScience Alley in 2011.

More than anything Don loved spending time with his wife and son. He and Judith adventured around the world - from backpacking in Colorado, to the Great Wall. Don and Judith were traveling companions, best friends, and confidants. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December. When reflecting on his life Don said one of his fondest memories was “Skiing, hiking and backpacking over 500 miles in Colorado, family trips, (especially Israel) and spending time at the cabin with Judith.”

Don never missed anything that his son participated in. He and Judith attended every sporting event, concert, or play that Aaron was involved in. He taught Aaron that family was more than the people who were your parents, siblings etc. and helped shape him into a person that he was immensely proud of.

Dad was a devoted follower of Christ and lived a life that reflected the values of his faith. When looking back on his life he said that he would “spend more time in prayer” and to spend more time with his wife and son. He said that the thing that he would like to be most remembered for was “caring for people I live with, know and worked with. Being honest and helpful with them.” Don will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Don’s Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, October 6th at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. The service will be livestreamed at https://events.calvary.org/ There will be a closed casket visitation and time of remembrance at 10:00 AM, and a reception immediately following the service. Donations may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in Don’s name.