Roscoe Duane Gerdon

Roscoe Duane Gerdon, the youngest of five children, was born on October 21, 1940, in Murdo, South Dakota, to Robert and Pearl Gerdon. He later moved with his family to Belvidere, South Dakota, where he graduated from Belvidere High School in 1959. After high school, he attended Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota for one year.

Roscoe spent the majority of his working life in the mining industry. He began in 1963 at Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, and faithfully worked until his retirement in 1996 from Magma Copper Company in San Manuel, Arizona. After retirement, he started his handyman business, working hard and with purpose—still painting roofs at 70.

He was an active member of the Catholic Church, the Elks Club, and a local dance club, where he found joy in community and connection. But above all, Roscoe lived out his greatest calling as a father and grandfather. After 46 years of raising his five children, he would often say his greatest accomplishment was his family—and he meant it. At the end of every conversation with his children ended with words that reflected his heart: “God bless you; I love you, You’re the best.”

Roscoe’s life reflected love, hard work, and quiet faith. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in family.

His five children lovingly remember him: Kelly Gerdon, Dina Cutler, Angelicka Wade, Alexandria Gerdon, and Robert Gerdon; his grandchildren: Kelsey Azeredo, Kyle Gerdon, Ashlynn Lawrence, Cami Cornelius, Baylah Ponder, Kaine Johnson, and Brantley Gerdon; and his great-grandsons: Octavian Azeredo, Theo Azeredo, Austin Cornelius, and Leo Cornelius. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were blessed by his life.

Roscoe was preceded in death by his forever love, Betty; his parents; and his sisters, Myrna Gerdon, Mardell Ufen, Charlotte Blom, and Vonnie Foreman. While we grieve his absence, we hold tightly to the promise that we will see him again.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Avenidas Cremation and Burial, 1376 W. St. Mary’s Road, Tucson, Arizona 85745.

Dad, you spoke blessings over us your whole life. Now we speak them back to you—God bless you. You’re the best. We love you forever, and we will carry your love with us always.