Rhonda Marie Spear Gersdorf, 69

Rhonda Marie Spear Gersdorf, 69, of Grinnell, died peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2023 surrounded by her adoring family.

Rhonda’s family will receive friends for a visitation held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated in her memory to benefit PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family online at www.smithfh.com.

Rhonda was born on May 20, 1953 to Roger and Marie “Betty” Powers (Reinig) in Waterloo, Iowa and graduated from South Tama High School. Prior to retirement she was employed at Rock Creek Athletics which allowed her to create meaningful friendships as well as products that reflected her many natural artistic abilities.

Rhonda lived in Grinnell for 30 + years and often worked multiple jobs to support the needs of her family. While small in physical stature, she was mighty. Standing just over 5 feet tall she was the first woman to work on the floor as a sheet metal worker at United McGill. Her male coworkers were in awe of her physical strength and fearlessness. Her fortitude was balanced with deep warmth and unconditional acceptance and Rhonda’s love served as a refuge for countless friends and family. Spending time with her could mend a broken heart, fill a depleted soul, satisfy a hungry belly, and cement in you a sense that you are worthy of love, comfort, forgiveness, and joy. She was wildly funny and adorably charming. She was a Christ servant.

Rhonda will be missed by many including her surviving family to whom she was desperately devoted. Survivors include her husband, Dirk Gersdorf of Grinnell; her children: Shane Vest of Story City, Stephanie (Spear) and Joe Filigno of Cincinnati, Ohio and Bailey Gersdorf and Cody Wells of LaBelle, Florida; grandchildren: Mason Spear of Belle Plaine; Giuseppe Filigno of Cincinnati; Jocelyn Vest (Hunter Scaman) of Richlands, NC and Madison Vest of Story City; a precious great grandchild: Colton Scaman; a treasured niece: Angie Henningsen (George) and nephew: Chris Zimmerman (Marisa) and sister: Ramona (Powers) Zimmerman (Gary).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Betty Powers, her son, Jeremiah “Jay” Spear (Ashley Ehlen), her sister Robin (Powers) Woods, Dirk’s parents, Don and Dorothy Gersdorf and a great nephew, Cody Rademaker (Angie Henningsen).