Aaron Gerbo, 44, passed away June 17, 2024, from complications from a motorcycle accident. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery with a final barbeque at Tin Roof, Lisbon.
Aaron was born March 9, 1980, son to Michael and Joan (Swenson) Gerbo. Those who knew Aaron, knew he cannonballed into everything. He would turn an idea into something he would master in no time. He wouldn’t sit still, he just lived. He was the life of the party with the most contagious laugh. He was the biggest ball of energy who would light up a room. He was a true, genuine friend.
Aaron was an entrepreneur who owned several businesses throughout his life. He owned Haul in One Moving in Iowa City, Big’s Barbeque, and most recently, Rat Rod Barbeque. He was a member of many motorcycle groups, a self-taught brew master, sauce creator, soap maker. When he was younger, he was an expert on a trampoline, and even a member of many bands where he played the guitar and drums, and even sang. He also loved to ride his skateboard and take his dog on a walk while roller blading.
Growing up Aaron would also read with his mom. When he took piano lessons, he would play while also listening to other music through headphones. That’s how talented Aaron was. In Aaron’s teenage years, he was in a moped gang in Conrad, Iowa. They would ride from town to town doing crazy things. He loved to take fishing trips with his dad, most recently to Florida.
Aaron had an extreme passion for motorcycles. He learned quickly how to fix anything with an engine. He would say “It’s running great, let’s take it apart” or “Nothing could go wrong.” His bike called his free spirit. Winters were the hardest, but his self-warming gear allow him to enjoy the freedom of the road. In true Aaron fashion, he said “If the sun is shining, there’s no reason not to ride”.
He was the best father, husband, and friend, he fiercely loved all of his children. He taught his kids early on how to work on an engine, love for music, how to own a business, and important life skills. He would identify strengths in people that nobody else could see, and challenge that person to show those strengths to better grow themselves.
Aaron is survived by his parents, wife, Mary Gerbo; daughters, Eliza Gerbo, Audrey Gerbo; son, Evan; big sister, Ruth (Dustin) Peterson; and their children, Mason and Devin; sister, Benna; and her son, Monroe; niece, Tynea (Harlan); grandmothers, Betty Springstead and Beverly Swenson; grandparents-in-law, Terese Cavanagh and Jerry Delarm; father-in-law, Dale Delarm; and brothers-in-law, Mark (Andrea) DeLarm and Kwynton Delarm.
Aaron was preceded in death his grandfathers, Martin Swenson and Rudolph “Jedo” Gerbo; aunt, Vickie Boteler; mother-in-law, Marge DeLarm; and step-grandfather, Papa Jack Springstead.
Memorials may be sent to the Aaron Gerbo memorial fund at Hills Bank in Mount Vernon.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Aaron’s Tribute Wall and share your support, memories, and craziest stories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
Aaron Gerbo
June 27, 2024