William Gerdeman

AIKEN, SC – William Joseph Gerdeman, age 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on December 14, 2024 after a brief battle against cancer.

Bill was born June 7, 1949 in Lima, Ohio to the late Donald Joseph Gerdeman and Cecilia Gerdeman. He lived most of his life in Ohio, residing in Kalida, Napoleon, and Fremont before moving to Aiken, SC five years ago. Bill received his Bachelor of Technology degree from University of Dayton and retired after 40 years as an engineer. He was V8 Manager for Cambell’s Soup & held multiple engineering roles with Heinz Ketchup. When he met his wife, Barbara, he jumped right in and raised her two boys as his own. He was a very proud Dad, never missing any of Neal’s Football games or Wrestling matches. Bill loved golf and scored his first hole in one last year. Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, “Red Poppop” and brother.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother Mark.

Survivors include his beloved wife of forty-six years, Barbara Sue Gerdeman; one son, Neal Gerdeman (Barbara); two step-sons, Todd Scheele and Tim Scheele; brothers, James Gerdeman (Mary-Jo), David Gerdeman (Pam), and Alan Gerdeman (Ruth) step-grandchildren Ashley Harter and Tyler Ackerman; step-great-grandchildren, Christopher, Emma, Ellis, and Penelope; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be 10AM on January 18th at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, 16085 Ohio-634, Fort Jennings, Ohio 45844, with a funeral service following at the funeral home at Noon. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Kalida, Ohio.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), assisted with local arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com