Ivan Gerdes

Ivan Everett Gerdes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 28, 2026. He was 76 years old.

Ivan was born on September 29, 1949, to Everett and Relda Gerdes in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A rowdy kid at heart, he grew up with a deep love for the farm and a natural gift for fixing anything with an engine — automobiles, trucks, you name it. He cherished the satisfaction of getting hold of something that wouldn’t run and making it whole again. He seemed to be able to fix anything.

Ivan attended Boise State University for auto body school, then returned home and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission, an experience he truly cherished. Not long after returning, he met the love of his life, Pamela Arnold. Just a few short months later, on April 22, 1972, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they built what Pamela lovingly calls their “little but mighty family” — welcoming Blake Ivan Gerdes on February 14, 1974, Trever Keith Gerdes on May 24, 1976, just weeks before the Teton Dam flood, and Stacie Lyn Gerdes on November 28, 1979.

Ivan devoted much of his life to the craft he loved. He owned his own auto body shop and a 24-hour wrecker service in Sugar City, until the Teton Dam flood of 1976 took it all. With characteristic resilience, he rebuilt. He partnered with Stuart Nelson in the vending business, eventually becoming a full partner — a chapter that lasted several years before his love of auto body work called him back. He went on to serve as manager of C&L Body Shop, a role he held until his retirement.

Working on cars and motorcycles remained his passion long after the workday ended. He was never far from an engine. Ivan also had a gift for bringing people together through music — he loved playing 50s, 60s, and 70s music at car show parties with his full sound system, which he proudly called “Eagle Sound.” Summer weekends were made for family camping trips, a tradition the Gerdes family kept as faithfully as they could every season.

He is survived by his wife of many years, Pamela Arnold Gerdes; his three children, Blake (Jean) Gerdes, Trever (Bridgett) Gerdes, and Stacie Cordier; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Relda Gerdes; his brother, Daniel Gerdes; his sister, Mardene Byington; his brother-in-law, Jim Raley; his brother-in-law, Dennie Arnold; and his sister-in-law, Janet Arnold.

Ivan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched.

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 1st from 5:30–7:30 PM at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, Idaho. A brief viewing will also be held on Tuesday, June 2nd from 9:30–10:45 AM, followed by a brief service.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to assist with funeral expenses. Donations may be sent via Venmo: @trever-gerdes-37.