Garnet L. Gjerde

Garnet L. Gjerde, 97 of New London, died Friday, May 1, 2020 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Private family services will be held at Spicer City Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London. 

Garnet LaVerne Gjerde was born December 15, 1922 on the family farm in Woods Township of Chippewa County, the daughter of Martin and Esther (Larson) Lobbins.  She grew up in Central Minnesota with her mother and step-father Cecil Leslie and her 5 siblings.  On May 15, 1939, Garnet was united in marriage to Olaf Gjerde in New London.  They lived in Volin, South Dakota for many years before settling into their home on the mill pond in New London and at retirement, an apartment.  Garnet was a busy homemaker raising 8 children and later she worked in the kitchen at Old Gray.  Garnet and Ole were able to share in 59 years of marriage before his death on August 17, 1998.

Garnet was a member of Peace Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed many weekends at her sister’s cabin on Cokato Lake, Friday night cards with friends, Saturday burgers, traveling, family bowling tournaments, playing cards, flower gardening, baking, cooking, reading, puzzles and visits to the casino.  Garnet always had a smile on her face and participated in family activities.  In her 80s she played yard games at the family 4th of July gatherings and almost every day she played gin with her sister June.  On her visit to Arizona she sat in the hot tub with the girls and rode on the 4 wheeler with Bob.

Garnet died on Friday, May 1, 2020 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar at the age of 97.  She is survived by her children, Ken (Ruth) Gjerde, Sandy Rutjes, Tom Gjerde, CarolMae (Mike) Kastel, Rod (Nancy) Gjerde and Rhonda (Jim) Fangmeier; daughter-in-law, Denise Gjerde; son-in-law, Dean Hagen; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gladys Samuelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Garnet was preceded in death by husband; Olaf, grandson; David Hagen, daughter; Ginger Hagen, son; Bob Gjerde; daughter-in-law, Sandy Gjerde; son-in-law, Dick Rutjes and five siblings. 

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