Gerda J. Schneidewind, age 86, of Apple Valley, MN, and formerly of Ree Heights, Huron, and Rapid City, passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2010, at N.C. Little Hospice in Edina, MN.

Gerda was born August 25, 1924, in Vienna, Austria to Franz Josef and Anna Hirschman. She grew up in Austria.

After WWII, Gerda was married to Ralph Schneidewind in Omaha, NE. The later moved to South Dakota.

Gerda and Ralph previously owned The Ree Heights Produce store. Ralph was also employed by CNW Railroad Huron, S.D. and was a relief agent. The family then moved to Huron and from there to Hallandale, FL. Gerda returned to Huron some years later and became a caretaker for some special ladies. When her son, Chuck, was admitted to the Fort Meade V.A. Hospital she moved to Rapid City. After Chuck's death in 2006, she spent 2+ years at Holiday Hills Estates in Rapid City, and then moved to Minnesota in 2009 to be close to her daughter, Mary Ann.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Lawrence, Apple Valley; her grandchildren, Roger, Theresa, Shelley, Jodi, and Courtney; her great-grandchildren, Billy, Paula, and Brooklyn; one brother, Eric Hirschmann; and daughter-in-law, Lori Schneidewind.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, and two sons, Ralph "Sonny" and Charles "Chuck" Schneidewind.

Committal services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2010 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Friends may gather at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the American Heart Association.