Gerds, Donna Mae

Donna Mae Gerds, age 66 of Stevens Point passed on peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday June 12, 2012 at her home. She was under the care of her family and Ministry Home Care Hospice. She was born Feb. 8, 1946 in Chicago, IL. The daughter of the late Lester and Elaine (Svoboda) Doerfler. She graduated in 1964 from Proviso High School in Maywood, IL. She also graduated with a BA degree from Chicago Teachers College and a Masters Degree in education from Concordia College River Forest, IL. She was married to Jim Wrosch, the couple later divorced. Her marriage to Alan W. Gerds took place on May 4, 2002 at Peace Lutheran Church in Amherst, WI. He survives. She was a teacher at Orchard Place School in IL for 10 years. She then was a teacher for the Iola-Scandinavia School district for 23 years retiring in 2002. She was a member of the FTA, Girl Scouts and VISTA. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards and games, reading, traveling, trips to the casino and horses. A memorial in her name will be established at a later date. Survivors include her husband Alan, three step-daughters: Cara (Lou) Frias of Iola, April (Tracy) Weed of TN and Kathy Minor of Hartford. Three step-sons: Aaron (Elizabeth) Erdmann of Iola, Darren (Susan) Gerds of Iola and Jeff Gerds of Hartland. 17 step grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother Lester Doerfler Jr. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am Friday at Pisarski/Dzikoski Funeral Home at 703 Second St., Stevens Point, WI. Pastor Dwight Anderson officiated. Burial is in Zion Lutheran cemetery, South Main Street, Iola. Visitation was from 9:00 am until the time of services Friday morning at the funeral home. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com