Herbert R. Gerdink, 89, of Terre Haute died Friday, April 25, 2014 in Meadows Manor North Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born September 1, 1924 in Terre Haute to Herbert A. Gerdink and Aldine F. Richard Gerdink. Survivors include his children, Nancy Vrabic (James), James Gerdink (Julie Downes), and Matthew Gerdink all of Terre Haute, and Kathleen Gerdink of Bloomington, IN; three grandsons, Seth Gerdink, Lucas Vrabic, and Joseph Vrabic; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Paul Cavolt of Hollister, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan N. Stockton Gerdink whom he married on February 27, 1960 and was happily married to for nearly 40 years. He was also preceded in death by his sister Sue Gerdink Frew. Herbert graduated from St. Margaret Mary elementary school, attended Sarah Scott Jr. High School for a year before attending and graduating from Wiley High School in 1942. He then attended Indiana State Teachers College where he enrolled in the first class of the V-12 program. Herbert enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and proudly served in World War II in the Pacific. He retired from the U.S. Navy Reserves as a lieutenant in 1968 after 25 years of service. Upon discharge from active duty in August 1946 he returned to Indiana State Teachers College and graduated in 1948. He then enrolled in Indiana University School of Law in 1952 and graduated and passed the bar in 1955. Herbert was appointed as Terre Haute assistant city attorney in 1956 and began his private practice. He served as Juvenile Court Judge, was appointed by Gov. Otis Bowen to the newly formed County Court Division 4 serving for five years, and subsequently appointed to serve as Judge of Terre Haute City Court. Herbert was proud to have served as Attorney In Charge of Health and Welfare for the local Union of Common Laborers and Hodcarriers. Herbert was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and the Joseph Bray Detachment of the Marine Corp League. He was a lifetime member of Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks # 86, American Legion Post # 40 and later #104, and V.F.W. Post #972. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Father Steve Giannini officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with Military Services by V.F.W. Post #972. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 in Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street with a rosary service to be held at 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church or Catholic Charities.
