Gisela Gerdes

GERDES, Gisela I. (nee Stern), beloved wife of the late Tony Gerdes. Dear mother of Holger (Lora Lee) Gerdes of Mason, and Carla (Constantine) Romanos of Cincinnati. Loving Omi of Mackenzie Gerdes and Zoe Romanos. Sister of the late Erwin Stern of Hamilton, Ohio. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Passed away peacefully and gently surrounded by family on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at the age of 88. Born in Zulkenhagen, Pomerania Germany, to the late Richard and Magdalena (Erdmann) Stern, Gisela and her parents emigrated to the United States aboard the MS Berlin in May of 1957.  Having been displaced by the newly drawn borders of post-war Europe, the loss of her childhood home had a profound impact on Gisela. Forged stronger by the loss of their home, she and her family were determined to rebuild a better life in the US. After arriving in Hamilton, Ohio, Gisela found work as a nanny for a prominent Cincinnati family. Through this job, Gisela met many other German immigrants in the city, including her first friend and future sister-in-law, Margaret Loxterkamp (nee Gerdes). Through Margaret, Gisela met her future husband and favorite dance partner, Tony, whom she married in 1966. Both Gisela and Tony loved the country life and built their small farm and home in Mason, Ohio in 1968. Here they raised their two children and shared many happy times with family and friends. Gisela’s nieces and nephews loved coming to the small farm that was always home to numerous cows, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, dogs, the occasional goat, and the beloved pony, Fritzie. An incredibly talented homemaker, Gisela loved taking care of her family and neighbors. Each summer, she grew countless varieties of fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers which she shared with everyone, while her farm-fresh eggs were her sister-in-law, Brunie’s, favorite. She had a knack for cooking, baking, canning, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and decorating her home for Christmas - able to do all beautifully and with such ease. Gisela did not shy away from hard work and loved taking care of her home. Well into her 70s, she looked forward to cutting her own grass, chopping wood, and tending to her flowers. A friend to everyone she met, Gisela was there to help anyone in need, especially her neighbors whom she loved like her own family. Her favorite job of all was that of Omi to her two granddaughters with whom she shared her love of animals, German music, dancing, and the outdoors. Gisela remained strong and determined throughout her lifetime and showed her children and grandchildren true faith, tenacity, and courage. When her health began to decline, Gisela found a renewed sense of purpose volunteering at Ronald McDonald House with her dear friend, Mary Jean. She also spent time visiting with residents and their families at the St. Joseph Home in Evendale. Until the end, Gisela wanted to live her life with purpose and in service to others. She will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched and enriched throughout her life. Visitation will take place Thursday, September 22 from 10:30am until noon at the Hodapp Funeral Home, 6410 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, Liberty Township, OH. Services will begin at noon at the funeral home and will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Lorne Hlab. Burial to follow at Springhill Cemetery, Liberty Township, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Home, 10722 Wyscarver Rd., Cincinnati, 45241 or by visiting the website (https://www.stjosephhome.org/giving-and-donations/donate/).