DENVER, Colo. -- Gary Gerdes, 60, died Dec. 12, 2007, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 25, 1947, to Chester and Helen Gerdes of Max. He was raised on a farm south of Max and attended school in Max and later in Stratton. He graduated from Stratton High School in 1965.

In June of 1969, he married Marilyn Lorens and they moved to Denver, Colo.

He married his present wife, Sheri in 1987. He owned and operated Gary's Excavating Enterprises and lived in Denver where he remained until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Delores and brother, Reike.

Survivors include his daughter, Kim Rasmussen and husband, Brent of Omaha; wife, Sheri of Denver; step-children, Heather, Monique and Michael, all of Denver; sister, Dorothy; and two step-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be Saturday at St. Joan of Ark Catholic Church, 12735 W 85th Avenue, in Arvada, Colo.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry No. 700, Denver, CO 80246.

Cards may be sent to 8850 Indiana Street, Arvada, CO 80007.