Waldo H. Gerards
January 8, 2026
Waldo H. Gerards, age 89 of Wichita, Kansas passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Waldo was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma to George and Martha Gerards.
Waldo married his wife, Lotus, and they shared 71+ wonderful years together. As one of their daughters-in-law recently said, “Theirs was a love story for the ages.”
Waldo graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and obtained his Professional Engineering license in 1976. Waldo considered obtaining his engineering degree to be one of his greatest accomplishments in life. He worked diligently on his coursework, taking two classes per semester while working full time to provide for his family of six children. He received his degree after 15 years at the age of 33! He worked for KG&E and retired in 1992, after 31 years.
Waldo was also a charter member of Reformation Lutheran Church. He was an active member and enjoyed being on many church committees throughout his life. (He served on the church council, River Festival float construction, the River Festival Worship Service, usher, and the lawncare team.) Waldo formed many deep and lasting friendships at the Church, and they were a source of great love and comfort to him.
Waldo was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed travelling, woodworking, golfing, WSU basketball, and spending time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Waldo was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George Gerards, Jr.; sister, Marjorie Meyersick; and son-in-law, Terry Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Lotus Gerards; children, Steven (Sharon) Gerards, Sandra Johnson, Kathy (Randy) Malcom, Karen (David) Harris, Donna (Martin) Hanna, David (Mary Ann) Gerards; grandchildren, Megan, Savannah, Amanda, Natalie, Michelle, Laura, Nicholas, Maggie, Sarah, Bridget; step-grandchildren, Laura and Cal; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:00 am, Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Reformation Lutheran Church.
Memorial donations can be made to Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, KS 67206 or consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity, 2220 N Opportunity Dr., Wichita, KS 67219.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
Services
Visitation: Saturday, January 17, 2026 9:00 am
Reformation Lutheran Church
7601 E. 13th St. N.
Wichita, KS 67206
316-634-0586
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 17, 2026 10:00 am
Reformation Lutheran Church
7601 E. 13th St. N.
Wichita, KS 67206
316-634-0586
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Waldo H. Gerards 's name.
Habitat for Humanity
2220 N. Opportunity Dr.
Wichita,
KS
67219
Reformation Lutheran Church
7601 E. 13th St. N.
Wichita,
KS
67206
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Waldo was a stalwart, faithful member of Reformation Lutheran, and we are sorry to hear of his death. We will keep Lotus and the family in our thoughts in the days to come, and we hope that good memories will help ease the pain.