Dorothy Gaarder

Dorothy Marie Gaarder, age 82 of Park River, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Center in Park River. Dorothy Gaarder was born June 8, 1931, in Lankin, ND, the daughter of the late John and Agnes (Sticha) Beneda. She attended rural schools, graduating from Lankin High School. Upon graduation, she taught in a rural school in the Lankin area. Dorothy married Edmund Gaarder on December 8, 1952. Together they raised a family of five children on a farmstead in the Pleasant Valley near Park River where Edmund was a farmer. Edmund passed away October 1, 2008. Dorothy was a dedicated, respected educator. She gained her college education later in life, graduating from Mayville State College and went on to earn her Master's degree in Education from the University of North Dakota. Dorothy taught at the Edinburg Public School and later for Upper Valley Special Education as a Learning Disabilities instructor. Dorothy was known for her wit, creativity, passion, generosity and love for music. She offered her talents and gifts on numerous occasions for local events, and was very generous with her time and resources to those of need in the community. She also was an avid holiday decorator, a voracious reader, and an excellent cook. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, including both Czechoslovakian and Scandinavian specialties. Survivors include her children: Denise Callaghan, Minneapolis, MN; Kristen Nester, Sioux Falls, SD; Edmund Larry (Lori) Gaarder, Park River; Charlotte (Harold) Myrdal, Park River; and JoEllen (Rob) McGauvran, Thompson, ND; ten grandchildren: Luke Callaghan, Katie (Ben) Paredes, Erin (Kristefor) Lysne, Alex (Alessandra) Nester, Megan Myrdal, Kierstin (David) Hurtt, Kaylee Gaarder, Evan McGauvran, Eric McGauvran, and Allison McGauvran, along with four great grandchildren; siblings: Margarette Malafa, West Fargo, ND; Dennis (Verna) Beneda, Lankin, ND; Carol (Truman) Ness, Fordville, ND; and Kenneth (Gale) Beneda, Lankin, ND. Many nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edmund, grandson Andrew Nester, and brother Danny, who died in infancy. Funeral services will be Friday, December 27, 2013, at 2:30 P.M. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Cemetery, rural Park River.