Paul Anthony Gerdes, formerly of Midland, passed away Thursday, July 28th while hiking in Arizona with his wife and the Green Valley Hiking Club. Paul was a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was born April 7, 1953 to Joseph and Christine Gerdes. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Janet Gerdes, three children, Timothy Karl Gerdes of California, Andrew James Gerdes and Beverly Jeanne Gerdes, both of Michigan, his mother, Christine Gerdes, his brothers and sisters Joseph (Lisa) Gerdes, Raymond (Karen) Gerdes, John (Carla) Gerdes, David (Carolyn) Gerdes, Mary (Thomas) Nyman, Clara (Ken Greenberg) Gerdes, Anna (Frank) West, Andrew (Linda) Gerdes, Ruth (Dennis) Casey, and many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, his uncle, Gerald Gerdes, a sister-in-law Anna Lee Gerdes, and a nephew, Robert Smith. Paul graduated from Ferris State University and spent time in the Army before graduation. He worked for Dow Chemical Company for 26 years, retiring in 2004. Paul was very involved with Habitat for Humanity in Midland and also in Arizona. He loved working around the house, and always had a project going. He was the most comfortable when he had his work pants on. Paul and Janet lived in Midland until 2009, when they moved to Green Valley, Arizona. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 5, 2011, at the Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont. Pauls family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers friends are asked to consider the Midland Habitat for Humanity, www.midlandhabitat.org 1703 Saginaw Road Midland, MI 48640 or Tucson Habitat for Humanity, www.habitattuscon.org 621 W. Lester St. Tucson, AZ. 85705.