Gary L. Gerdes, 55, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born May 7, 1959 in Topeka, the son of Heinrich “Hank” and Louise Nieman Gerdes. Gary graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 1977. He attended the University of Kansas. Gary was a Navy veteran, serving from December, 1979 through July, 1983. He was President of Topeka Metal Specialties, Inc. until selling the company in 2007. Gary married Michelle R. Huffman on April 27, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives. Other survivors include six children, Christina McBurney of Blackfoot, Idaho, Joseph Gerdes of Topeka, Nicholas Gerdes of Carbondale, Kansas, Danielle Gerdes of Topeka, Mitchel Holmes of Topeka and Chelsie Holmes of Topeka, twelve grandchildren, his father, Heinrich “Hank Gerdes of Topeka and one sister, Magrit Siple of Topeka. Gary was preceded in death one brother, Mark R. Gerdes in 1983. Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2014 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave., Topeka. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the organization of the donor’s choice.