Donald Dean Gerhardt, 70, of Oquawka, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2005 at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, IA, from congestive heart failure, after winning an 8 month battle with cancer. He was born on August 28, 1934, in Scott County, IA the son of Charles Henry and Thelma Stevens Gerhardt. Don was united in marriage to Edna Ilene Dixon on August 15, 1956 in Burlington, IA. Don had lived most of his life in the surrounding area. In earlier years he assisted village Marshall "Tiny Hill", in Gulfport, IL, where he also tended bar at Joe's Lounge and The Wayside Tavern. He had been employed at J.I. Case for 26 ½ years, going out on disability in 1987 and retiring on September 1, 1990. His interests included shooting pool, bowling, fishing, deer hunting, and especially sitting in his tree stand. He also enjoyed taking trips to Florida. He is survived by his wife, Edna of Oquawka, IL, two daughters, Camay of Burlington, IA, and Dove Overhake and her husband, Mike of Stronghurst, IL, three sons, Donald Gerhardt Jr. and his wife Kathy of Asheville, NC, Brian Gerhardt of Knoxville, IL, and Shawn Gerhardt and his wife Paula of Burlington, IA, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Irene Toney of Canon City, CO, Ruth Stevens of Gladstone, IL and Joyce Pullen of Oquawka, IL, one brother, Robert Gerhardt and his wife Jeanette of Okeechobee, FL, several nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. In honor of Don's request, his body was cremated and there was no service or visitation. A gathering of family and friends was held on Saturday, March 19th, at the family's home in Oquawka, IL.