Kindly and unassuming, a loyal citizen, a loving husband and father, a helpful neighbor, broad in his view of life, Edmund Gaarder lived in the beautiful Pleasant Valley in Vernon Township for 80 years. During each of these years he added something to honor and respect with which he was held by his family, friends and neighbors.
Wednesday morning, October 1, 2008 at 1:54 A.M., death came, as it must to all men, to Edmund Cecil Gaarder, at the age of 80 years, 4 months, 27 days. He died at the First Care Health Center in Park River.
Edmund was born May 5, 1928 to Esther (Bjorlien) and Amund O. Gaarder. He was graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School, and upon graduation, started farming with his father. On December 8, 1952, he married Dorothy Beneda. Five children were born to Edmund and Dorothy. The loving father and husband now leaves behind his wife Dorothy, and children: Denise Callaghan, (Minneapolis); Kristin (Paul) Nester, (Sioux Falls), Edmund Larry (Lori) Gaarder, (Park River); Charlotte (Harold) Myrdal, (Park River); and JoEllen (Rob) McGauvran, (Thompson). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother Gene (Naperville, ILL); and sister Doris Koehler, (St. Paul).
Mr. Gaarder was a public-spirited citizen, interested in the civic, religious, and social life of his community. He served multiple terms as a board member of the Park River School Board, the Park River Farmer's Elevator Board, the Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church Board, The Walsh County Livestock Association Board and the Lankin Farmer's Elevator Board.
Edmund was ever a loyal and loving husband and father, always working for his family and for their care and comfort. Edmund fulfilled his mission on earth in the noblest of manner. Always a true father and husband, he labored early and late for his loved ones and their welfare, and while his death was particularly sad, his family are now at an age when they could and did appreciate his fatherly love. If it is so ordained that the worthy ones shall find that haven of rest and contentment in that which comes after this, Edmund Gaarder is with his Maker today, rewarded for what he has always been both to his God and to his people.
A visitation from 6-8 P.M. and a prayer service at 8:00 PM will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Park River with interment at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
The Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River is in charge of the arrangements.
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