Built to Last
How Neighbor Norman Gerdeman Crafted a Life of Love and Family
How old are you? 84
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? Five Months- Relatively New as a Resident, but his daughter lives here!
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your life? One of Norm’s most memorable experiences was his trip to Ireland with his son Brad in August of 2013. While playing at the world-renowned Lahinch Golf Club in Lahinch, Ireland, ranked among the top 40 golf courses in the world, Norm achieved a hole-in-one on Hole #16. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that combined two things he loved: sports and spending time with family. The trip became a treasured memory and one of the highlights of his life.
Are there any particular accomplishments or achievements that you are proud of? One achievement Norm is especially proud of is the life he built alongside his wife Rosie and the family they created together. Married for over 60 years, they raised four children, welcomed 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and created a home centered around hard work, love, and support. Norm also takes pride in his craftsmanship, from building furniture and remodeling homes to helping neighbors with repairs, leaving behind work and memories that will last for generations.
Can you share a personal philosophy or motto that guides your life? A motto that seems to guide Norm’s life is: “Work hard, take care of your family, and enjoy the simple moments.”
Throughout his life, Norm dedicated himself to providing for others, whether working long hours at the foundry, building furniture late into the evening, supporting his children and grandchildren at sporting events, or helping neighbors with repairs. He found joy in family, faith, sports, and the everyday moments spent with the people he loved most.
Throughout his life, Norm dedicated himself to providing for others, whether working long hours at the foundry, building furniture late into the evening, supporting his children and grandchildren at sporting events, or helping neighbors with repairs. He found joy in family, faith, sports, and the everyday moments spent with the people he loved most.
How have your interests or hobbies evolved over the years? Are there any new activities you have taken up recently? Norm’s hobbies have evolved alongside the different stages of his life. Growing up on a farm, much of his time revolved around helping care for livestock, working the fields, and playing baseball and basketball with his siblings. As an adult, his passion for woodworking and carpentry became a major part of his life, spending countless evenings in his workshop building furniture, remodeling homes, and creating projects for family and clients.
Sports also remained a lifelong interest. He loved following the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State football and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports over the years. Later in life, golf became another favorite hobby, leading to memorable trips to Ireland with his son Brad. Even after moving to Kentucky, Norm enjoyed caring for his yard, maintaining beautiful flowers, and helping neighbors with home repairs, always staying active and hands-on whenever he could.
Sports also remained a lifelong interest. He loved following the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State football and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports over the years. Later in life, golf became another favorite hobby, leading to memorable trips to Ireland with his son Brad. Even after moving to Kentucky, Norm enjoyed caring for his yard, maintaining beautiful flowers, and helping neighbors with home repairs, always staying active and hands-on whenever he could.