Gerd Ludwigs, 97, of Akron, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Ignite Medical Resort in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at St. Patrick's Church in Akron, Iowa. Reverend Paul Nguyen will celebrate Mass with Deacon Richard Port assisting.  Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Akron with military honors provided by Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., all on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Rexwinkel Funeral in Akron.

Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Gerd Janssen Ludwigs was born on March 1, 1925 on a farm near Struble, Iowa. He attended Le Mars Community High School and graduated in 1943. After graduation, Gerd worked as a vehicle mechanic and co-owned a garage and gas station. Gerd then enlisted in the United States Army; he served during WWII and the Korean Conflict. During WWII he was stationed in Italy and he was later honorably discharged.

Gerd was united in marriage to Phyllis Ann Clarey on October 2, 1950 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron. They made their home in Akron.  Gerd began working at Gassman Ford Motors in Akron (later known as Rod's Ford). He started as a mechanic and worked his way to become the parts and service manager. Gerd also worked at Truesdell Motors in Hawarden, the City of Akron, and Higman Sand Gravel. Gerd also started working at St. Patrick's Catholic Church as the custodian and grounds keeper when he was 70 years old and retired from the position at the age of 88.

Gerd and Phyllis loved to roller skate and dance, especially at River Sioux, in their younger years. Gerd also enjoyed bowling in bowling league. Gerd was a long-time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post 186. Gerd enjoyed playing solitaire and gardening; he loved growing fresh vegetables and trying to grow something new and unique! His favorite time was spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to tease them and tell jokes; he had several great one-liners he would often use.  Gerd and Phyllis also enjoyed traveling together; they went to Branson, MO, Colorado, and California.

Gerd is survived by his daughters: Jeannie (Roger) Frerichs of Akron, IA and Vicky (John) Hohlbaugh of Independence, MO; son in law, Jerry Beazley of Cherokee, IA; six grandchildren: Aaron (Dannye) Frerichs of Eugene, OR, Dr. Leah (Sarah) Frerichs of Carrboro, NC, Chrissy (Jason) Overmohle of Hospers, IA, Trent (Nichole) Beazley of Ankeny, IA, Laura Hohlbaugh of Independence, MO, and Amy (Jacob) Wiatt of Wentzville, MO; 14 great grandchildren; sister in law, Lois Clarey of Akron, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gerd is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; daughter, Pam Beazley; and five siblings: John Ludwigs, George (Irene) Ludwigs, Hilbert (Evelyn) Ludwigs, Zelma (Paul) McCune, and Kate (Henry) Gellerman.