La Donn Geerdes, age 72, of George, IA died Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Sanford Rock Rapids Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at Zoar Presbyterian Church in George, IA with Rev. Dale Lint officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George, IA.
Visitation will be Monday, October 20, 2014 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of George, IA.
La Donn “Don” Rae (Van Briesen) was born March 6, 1942 in Grant Township of Lyon County to Walter and Gladys (Duin) Van Briesen. She grew up on the family farm by George where she attended country school and graduated from George High School in 1960. On February 24, 1961 she was united in marriage to Norwood (Woody) Geerdes at Zoar Presbyterian Church in George, IA. After graduation from high school she worked for Dr. Gessford in George, IA, Alf Manufacturing in Sheldon, IA for a short time, Geerdes Feed, George Good Samaritan Center, and John’s Steakhouse as a cook all in George, IA. She worked many jobs throughout the years, all while working operating the family business, Geerdes Trucking in George, IA with her husband and sons until retiring in 2001. La Donn would never allow a truck to leave the shop dirty. She worked tirelessly to maintain a fleet of good looking trucks and still managed to always have time to cook and keep a miraculously clean house. She will always be remembered by all that had the opportunity to enjoy her truly delicious meals. La Donn was one of God’s special people that even managed to find time to teach Sunday School, play piano at church and help anyone in need. In her spare time she enjoyed sitting on the deck at home or at the lake and taking in the outdoors. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to her.
La Donn is survived by her husband Norwood of nearly 54 years; two children, son, Tyron (Kim) Geerdes of Rock Rapids, IA and their two children, Amber (Kenneth) and their daughter, Addisyn Van Den Top of Sioux Falls, SD and Grant Geerdes of Rock Rapids, IA; son, Todd (Roxie) Geerdes of Brandon, SD and their two children, T. J (Randi Stoeberl) and their daughter, Zoey Geerdes of Rice Lake, WI and Zach Geerdes of Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Thelma Van Briesen and brother Paul (Angie) Van Briesen all of George, IA; and several nephews, a niece and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Gladys Van Briesen, sister, Doris Stubbe and brother, Larry Van Briesen.
An online registry and full obituary will be available at: www.jurrensfuneralhome.com
