Edward "Ed" H. Gerads

ROCHESTER, MINN:Edward H. Ed Gerads, 91, died Monday, August 31, 2015 at The Homestead of Rochester, MN. Edward Henry Gerads was born February 11, 1924 to John and Marie (Heitzman) Gerads in St. Cloud, MN. Ed graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1942. He served in the Navy Air Corps during WWII. Ed attended St. John's University, Collegeville, MN and onto St. Cloud State University; then graduating from the University of Minnesota in the school of Mortuary Science. He became a licensed Funeral Director/Mortician in 1950. Ed married LuWana F. Nordquist on August 30, 1947 at Minnehaha U.M.C. in Minneapolis, MN. He worked for Colbert Funeral Home in St. Cloud, MN from 1950-1956; then to become a partner and co-owner of Vine Funeral Home in Rochester until his retirement on December 15, 1988. Ed was a member of Christ UnitedMethodist Church for over 58 years. He was a former member of the V.F.W and American Legion, Rochester Downtown Kiwanis Club and Oriental Shrine #7 of Rochester of which he was Past Watchman of Shepherds and former 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. Ed was a member of AARP and AAA for over 40 years. He was a life member of North Star Lodge #23, St. Cloud, MN and Masonic Fraternity for over 50 years. Ed was a life member of St. Cloud Chapter #10, York Rite Masons, and past Commander of Home Commandry #5, Rochester, MN York Rite Mason, Shriners of North America, Osman Shrine, St. Paul, MN, Rochester Area Shrine Club, Rochester Zagalas Osman Shrine Car Club, Rochester Chapter #193, Order of the Eastern Star. Ed is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lu Gerads, Rochester, MN; his children, Linda (Roman Pierskalla) Gustafson, Buffalo, MN and Lee E. Gerads, Rochester, MN; his grandchildren, Tim (Cindy) Gustafson, Joshua (Gina Mannarino) Gerads, Sarah (Justin) Smith, Jacob (Kelli) Gerads, Don (Amandah Wilhelm) Gustafson, and Michael Gerads; his great grandchildren, Lilix Gustafson, Troy Gustafson, Heidi Smith, and Charlie Smith. Ed was preceded in death by his sister Bertha and three brothers Val, Don and Emil. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester, MN. with Reverend Elizabeth Macaulay officiating.Visitation will be held from 5 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church. We will assemble for burial at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Assembly Area #2 in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Memorials may be designated to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Rochester Beacon Academy.