CLEAR LAKE — Ronald L. Gerhardt, 71, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, surrounded by family.
Ron was born October 8, 1954, in Maryville, Missouri, to Nicholas and Shirley Gerhardt. He spent part of his childhood in Missouri before his family moved to Clear Lake, where he graduated from Clear Lake High School and built lifelong friendships.
Clear Lake became the center of Ron’s life. He met Paula Hartwell through her brothers, who were among his close friends, and the two married June 14, 1975, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Clear Lake. Together, they raised five children and shared more than five decades of marriage.
Ron worked a variety of jobs through the years, including with Interstate Power, Sears, Dwyer Flying Service and the Globe Gazette, where he later retired as a district manager. He also delivered newspapers and was known for working hard while balancing the needs of family.
Sports were one of Ron’s great passions. He was a devoted fan of the Clear Lake Lions and Iowa Hawkeyes, and his knowledge of games, players and statistics became part of his personality. He coached youth sports, helped with local teams and founded the Knights of Columbus Youth Wrestling Tournament.
His love of athletics also extended into writing, as he contributed sports columns for the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter and the Globe Gazette. Family trips often included stops at baseball stadiums, and his collection of baseball cards, autographs and sports memorabilia became well known among those closest to him.
Above all, Ron was a family man. He loved being a husband, father and grandfather, and his family recalls his humor, teasing, dad jokes and steady presence at ballgames, family meals and everyday moments.
Ron was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and served as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. His faith, service and commitment to others were part of the way he lived.
He is survived by his wife, Paula; children Matthew Gerhardt, Scott Gerhardt, Benjamin Gerhardt, Jennifer Schlemmer and Katie Ibarra, along with their families; his mother, Shirley Gerhardt; grandchildren; siblings Steve Gerhardt, Christopher Gerhardt, Julia and Bill; nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas Gerhardt.
A private family inurnment will be held at Clear Lake Cemetery, N. 20th St. in Clear Lake.
Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or Clear Lake athletics.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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