Gerald Lee Niedens, 65, Harrisonville, Missouri, died Friday, October 5, 2012 at Willow Lane Nursing Home in Butler, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 10 at the chapel. (Cremation to follow). Memorial contributions may be made to Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity or Smolenski MSA Research Fund (Multiple System Atrophy).

Gerald was born November 29, 1946 in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Otto H. and Rosie (Boxberger) Niedens. He was a graduate of Hoisington High School and received a bachelor's degree in medical technology from Pittsburg State University. He was a charter member of Lambda Chi Alpha. Gerald was a U. S. Army Vietnam War veteran. He married Cynthia Pugh on July 20, 1991.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, of the home; four sons, Jay and wife, Staci, Harrisonville, Missouri, Jeremy, Pekin, Illinois, Nick and wife, Argie, Athens, Greece and Jeffrey and wife, Chrissie, Peoria, Illinois; one daughter, Avis, Athens, Greece; one brother, Doyle Niedens and wife, Sandy, of Macon, Georgia and 2 grandsons, Pano and Skyler.