Gerhard Meidt

Gerhard "Gary" Oscar Theodore Meidt, 88 of Waukee, IA, formerly of Minneota, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at his home in Waukee, IA.
Gerhard was born Sept. 27, 1936 in Grand Forks, ND to Joseph and Tekla (Alexis) Meidt. His mother passed when he was seven years old and he grew up with older siblings Beth (Clark) and Joseph. Gary trusted Jesus as his Savior at a young age which influenced his whole life. Gary loved sports and music, spending the majority of his youth doing both. Playing trumpet became his passion and Gary attended the University of North Dakota where he majored in music (trumpet performance) and minored in math. He also joined the Army ROTC unit. After graduation and commissioning, he met Karen Rian, who was a bridesmaid in his brother’s wedding. He was smitten and they were quickly engaged and moved to Pedricktown, NJ for two years where oldest child, Gregory, was born in 1960. After his two-years of active duty, Gary, Karen, and young Greg moved to Rothsay, MN where he took a job in education as a math teacher, band director, and football coach. He eventually became the school principal.
Gary led the town of Rothsay through its golden era of wonderful musicians, football championships, and academic excellence.
Melody was born in 1963 and Christopher was born in 1969. His 1972 football team won the first ever 9-man State Championship.
In 1976, Gary started his Superintendent of Schools career in Lyle, MN. He directed the choir and musical orchestra. After one year, he came out of coaching retirement to take over the football program and coach Greg. His top young prospect was a youngster named Todd Leidall, who he liked so much, he convinced Melody to eventually marry him.
After Greg graduated and went to the United States Air Force Academy, and Melody graduated high school to attend Luther College, Gary, Karen, and Chris moved to Minneota in 1981. It was a legendary 13-year tenure. Beyond being the superintendent there, he directed choir and musical orchestras, was Community Education director and coached the football team. From 1985-1993, Gary led Minneota to state playoffs. His 1985 team was Minneota’s first state playoff team. He won three Prep Bowl titles from 1986-1988, including a state record of 48 consecutive wins.
In 1989, he retired as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army reserves.
Gary retired from all roles in 1994 and moved to Monticello, MN, near Chris and Allison and their three kids.
Gary and Karen spent winters in Texas where Gary turned his attention to the Rio Grande Valley Band, Swing Street Dance Band, and home association board as well.
In Northfield, he directed the Troubadours, played trumpet in the city band, and Canon Valley Orchestra. He was an active member and musician at Bethel Lutheran Church along with one of the founding members of The Bethel Quartet Plus One.
Gary was a lifetime teacher and encourager, in every respect. He believed people (kids and adults) just needed encouragement and an opportunity to excel, whether in music or athletics. His legacy of high expectations coupled with high love changed hundreds of lives.
Gary loved Karen for 65 years and was incredibly proud of his three kids, 11 grandkids (two sets of twins), and 15 great-grandkids.
He is survived by wife Karen (Waukee, IA), son Gregory (Laurie) Gilbert, AZ, daughter Melody Leidall (Todd), West Des Moines, IA, and son Christopher (Allison) Eden Prairie, MN. Grandchildren Jeffrey Meidt, Christy Meidt, Matthew Meidt, Katie Sue Meidt, Karen (Mark) Vroman, Sadie (Taylor) Spanton, Anna (Chad) Thompson, Daniel (Hannah) Leidall, Madeline (Ben) Johnson, Eveline Meidt, Alexander Meidt. Great grandchildren Melody, Vivian, Luke, Reagan, Duke, Forrest, Colt, Axel, Roman, Riggins, Margot, Lillian, James, Benny, Gloria. Brother Joseph Meidt (Atlanta, GA).
He was preceded in death by his father Joseph, mother Tekla, and sister Beth.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 1321 North Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church and a reception will follow. Interment will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.
Funeral arrangements are trusted to Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com