Knute "Bob" Gjerde, age 79, of New London, died Friday, March 20, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.
Private memorial services will be held. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org.
Knute Robert Gjerde was born November 16, 1940 in New London, Minnesota, the son of Olaf and Garnet (Leslie) Gjerde. He grew up mainly in Volin, South Dakota and graduated from Volin High School in 1958. While in high school he starred on the state tournament basketball team. He then enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Stribling with his brother, Kenneth.
In 1965, he married Denise Peterson and they made their home in Bloomington. In 1970, they moved to Spicer. Bob worked for the United States Postal service for many years. He ended his career as Postmaster in Blomkest, retiring in 1992. Bob later moved to New London and also wintered in Arizona for several years.
He was a member of the Spicer and New London American Legion Posts, and had been a past-commander in Spicer. He was also a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Bob enjoyed hunting, golfing, visiting casinos, and playing cards, especially buck euchre.
He is survived by his son: Michael (and Tammy) Gjerde of Spicer; a stepson: Brian Hedtke of Sleepy Eye; five grandchildren: Jesse (and Rachel) Hedtke, Brent (and Tiffany) Hedtke, Chauntel (and Mark) Renne, Carla (and Rich) Middagh, and Aaron Hedtke; 13 great-grandchildren; his mother: Garnet Gjerde of Willmar; and his former wife: Denise Gjerde of New London. Also surviving are three brothers: Kenneth (and Ruth) Gjerde of New London, Thomas Gjerde of Pennock, and Rodney “Piker” (and Nancy) Gjerde of New London; three sisters: Sandra Rutjes of New London, CarolMae (and Mike) Kastel of New London, and Rhonda (and Jim) Fangmeier of Paynesville; brother-in-law: Dean Hagen of Alberta; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father: Olaf Gjerde; a sister: Ginger Hagen; a brother-in-law: Dick Rutjes; and a sister-in-law: Sandra Gjerde.
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