*Warrenton Banner January 27, 1939 p.4

William GERDING Laid to Rest Saturday

Williwm Frederick Gerding was born November 9, 1846, as the second son of Henry Gerding and his wife, an departed this life Wednesday, Jan., 18, at 4:30 a.m. after a lingerering illness of cancer. He died in the same home in which he was born and spent his entire life on his farm in the Pendleton community, esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.

Mr. Gerding was baptized in infancy and at the age of 15 was confirmed in the Holstein Evangelical Church with 15 other young people. September 15, 1874 he was married to Annie Louise (Oetting) of the Smith Creek Community. This happy union lasted for over 64 years and was blessed with five children, three of whom preceded their father in death. The youngest, a son, died April 15, 1903, at the age of 15 years; the oldest son, William March 22, 1932 and the oldest daughter, Mrs. Minnie Hoelscher, August 3, 1937.

Mr. Gerding leaves to mourn his passing his heartbroken widow; one son at home, one daughter of near Warrenton, one son-in-law, one daughter -in-law, thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and many other sorrowing relatives and friends.

When Mr. Gerding's health began to decline rapidly and it became evident that his Savior was beckoning him, Rev. Miessler of the Wentzville Lutheran Church was called and comforted him by serving Holy Communion.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at St. John's Lutheran Church in Warrenton with Rev. Herbert C. Rose of Flat River, until recently of Warrenton, a close friend of the departed in charge. The church choir and Rev. Rose sang "Lord Jesus Christ My Life My Light," "Friends of Souls, How Blessed Am I " and "Who Knows How Near My End May Be," accompanied on the organ by Miss Dora Schlanker. The floral offerings were beautiful. Interment followed in the family cemetery where two of his children and one grandchild are buried.

Mr. Gerding devoted his life to his home and children. He was always willing to do his part and had a kind and cheerful disposition. The pearly gates were open when a gentle voice said, "Come" A weary heart has ceased to beat, your willing hands will toil no more than that heavenly home above, where we all hope to meet some day.