----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner (Clark County, Wis.) 05/13/1981

Gerdes, Walbey C. (1894 - 1981)

Mrs. Walbey C. Gerdes, 87, of Memorial Home, Neillsville, Clark County, died early Thursday, may 7, 1981, at Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Gary L. Clark, pastor of the United Church of Christ, at 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 11, at the Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville. May Peters was the soloist and Deon Spangler the organist.

Interment was in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Loyal, with pallbearers being Michael, Steve and Jon Siebert, Ed Timmler, C. J. Simonson and Fred Haut. Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, was in charge of arrangements.

Walbey C. Johnsen was born on Jan. 29, 1894, at Unity and received her education at Unity and at schools in Oshkosh and Stevens Point. She taught in school in Unity and Spokeville.

She was married in Madison to Carl C. Gerdes on Aug. 10, 1918. They operated a store, feed elevator and lumber yard at Spokeville, and after the death of her husband in 1954, she continued to operate the store until moving to Neillsville several years ago. She had been a resident of Memorial Home the past few years.

She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America at Loyal and the Loyal American Legion Auxiliary.

Surviving her are one daughter, Mrs. Earle (Barbara) Siebert of Neillsville one son, John Buck Gerdes of Marshfield nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband one brother and three sisters.