Fridel Herman Gerbsch better known as “Dutch” by family and friends, passed away October 20, 2018 peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born June 24, 1927 in Arcola, Illinois. He loved his country and proudly served in the U.S. Navy for eight years. Enlisting on his 17th birthday and serving in both WWII and the Korean War. He was a carpenter for 35 years. He worked on an array of projects, including many landmarks still visible in Danville to this day. From the bridges over I-74, to the intricate wood detail of the organs at St. James Church. However, the project closest to the hearts of his family is the home he built with his own hands and raised them in. His hobbies were hunting Native American artifacts, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. In his earlier years he enjoyed building and flying his balsa wood airplanes (until his three little boys broke them all to bits). He married the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1959. Their best times together were the simple moments spent with their children and grandchildren, telling stories, cooking dinner and rooting on the Cubs. Dutch was a giving and hard-working father, who was proud to have instilled those same values in his four children. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sons, “Skip” Fridel Jr. (Judy) of Bismarck, IL, Erich (Jeanne) of Noblesville, IN, Fritz (Pam) of Brownsburg, IN and his “little girl” Nina Wright of Danville, IL; grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Jessica, Morgan, Brennan and Lucas. Preceding him in death were his parents, Alfred Otto and Ruth Romer Gerbsch and his brother, Eberhard (Roy) Gerbsch. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00PM, Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 North Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61834. Private family burial will be held at Danville National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 495, Danville, IL 61832. Please join Fridel’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com