Kevin Gerdes

Kevin Floyd Gerdes, age 59, passed away as a result of a heart attack on the morning of May 15th, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Worthington, Minnesota. Kevin was tangibly kind in action, clever with both his mind and his hands, and held a steadfast do-it-yourself mentality. He rarely boasted, never showed malice, and always found laughter in every situation. Kevin was born in Worthington on June 12, 1966, to Audry and Elden Gerdes. He lived on his family’s farm with his sister Sherri and a peculiar assortment of pets, including twin goats, a pony, and a beloved dog named Champ. Growing up, he enjoyed roadtripping with his family across the country and attending a bible camp at Lake Shetek each summer. He participated in youth group and Boys’ Brigade at the First Baptist Church, where he was later baptised. While attending Fulda High School, Kevin played on the football team. He graduated in 1984 and continued on to earn his associate degree in carpentry at Pipestone Area Vocational Technical Institute in 1986. Immediately following graduation, he moved to the Twin Cities where he worked as a carpenter and later opened his own construction company, Gerdes Builders. In 1995, Kevin married Sharon Hawkins in Minneapolis and later moved into their home in Prior Lake. The couple gave birth to their son, Daniel, in 2000 and their daughter, Sarah, in 2002. Kevin played an active role early on in his children’s lives, volunteering as a den leader in his son’s Cub Scout troop and participating in his daughter’s Girl Scout troop. While in these roles, he assisted scouts in building blue bird houses and also helped construct pinewood derby cars for annual races. He also enjoyed attending Daniel’s hockey games and Sarah’s dance recitals. In 2010, he built his parents’ house in Worthington. Shortly after, he shifted from construction to farming corn and soybeans after his father retired from farming. He farmed on his father’s land alongside his close cousin Brian Gerdes for nearly 16 years. Following his father’s passing, Kevin devoted more of his time to supporting and caring for his mother. Kevin found joy in many aspects of his life. He attended Friendship Church in Prior Lake with his family and enjoyed participating in small groups at the church. From a young age, he built fond memories of hunting deer and fishing walleye alongside his father, experiences that fostered his appreciation for the outdoors. He continued that passion in adulthood, spending many summer days roadtripping with his family to iconic national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. At home, he took pride in tending his garden and enjoyed canning salsa with his wife using their freshly-grown tomatoes. He also had a fascination with space and the world of Star Trek, holding the uncanny ability to recite nearly every episode from memory. Like many others in his family, he cheered on the Vikings and the Gophers every season. Kevin is survived by his wife, Sharon Gerdes, his son, Daniel Gerdes, his daughter, Sarah.

A private family service will take place at a later date with Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Worthington.