Obituaries

Gary Robert Averdick, 72, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Easter Sunday. He was the son of Bob and Esther Sommerkamp Averdick.

Gary grew up in Lookout Heights, then largely fields, woods and houses under construction. A creek, pond and penny candy store helped to make it the perfect setting for this All-American boy. Gary loved finding frogs, turtles and other wildlife which he sometimes put in his Mom’s laundry tubs. This would delay her work until the creatures could be relocated. From early on Gary’s fun-loving ways caused him to have many buddies for life’s adventures.

His natural athletic abilities led him to play defensive back for Covington Catholic’s football team. He was also on their track team which practiced on the Latonia Race Course track, running barefoot.

After graduation, Gary was a cement finisher for Trumble Construction. A sales career followed. Gary was affiliated with Knights of Columbus Insurance, Nautavc and Reunion Coffee of Toronto, Canada. He later enjoyed operating his own company, Averdick Field Stone in Campbell County, followed by working for Western Hills Builders Supply.

Gary was a spiritual man having been in Alcoholics Anonymous for thirty-six years. He was a caring sponsor for many.

Gary raised two children with his first wife, Deborah Fox Averdick Reimer. He and his second wife, Elise Nunn Averdick, raised and showed Rocky Mountain horses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Captain Bill Averdick, and many friends. He is survived by his daughters, Holly Averdick and Heather Averdick Wagner (Doug Wagner); grandchildren, Noah and Crosley Wagner; brothers, Mike Averdick (John Gerwe), Steve Averdick (Ruth Appel Averdick) and Joe Averdick (Liz Lavandero Averdick) as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. His dog, Shady, and cat, Luna, mourn his absence.

Gary instilled a love of life in all of his family and countless friends.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caregivers at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center for their attentive and loving care.

Visitation will be at the Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Fort Wright, Kentucky, on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 2pm to 5pm. Services will be conducted there at 5pm. A reception will follow in the undercroft of St. Agnes Church, 1680 Dixie Highway, Ft. Wright , Kentucky. Memorials are suggested to: Promises Inc., Alcoholism Treatment Program, 116 West 9th Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071.

Middendorf Funeral Home is serving the family.