Galerd Ehde

Galerd F. Ehde, 89, of Waukon died Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 14 at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Galerd Francis Ehde was born September 12, 1930 in Waukon, one of eight children of John Carl and Mattie Charlotte (Grotegut) Ehde. He was baptized at Zalmona Presbyterian Church and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Galerd attended a number of rural Allamakee County schools as his parents lived on several area farms while he was growing up.

September 16, 1956, he married Rosalie Marie Martin at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon. Galerd and Rosalie farmed in Union Prairie Township their entire married lives, raising hogs, beef cattle and crops. With help from his brothers and some neighbors, Galerd built a new home on their farm with lumber that was harvested from the farm. He also filled the house with homemade furniture and cabinetry.

Galerd was a long-time member of Zion United Church of Christ and the Allamakee County Farm Bureau. In addition to woodworking he enjoyed watching western movies, hunting and fishing and being outdoors in general, and in younger days dancing with Rosalie at many of the local venues. He also loved to travel anywhere in the west and particularly liked visiting the Big Horns, Yellowstone and the Black Hills. Spending time with his children and their families as well as attending extended family gatherings were some of his favorite times.

Survivors include his children: Randy (Karen) Ehde and Janice (Dani) Bahr, both of Waukon; his grandchildren: Bryce, Cody and Brianna Bahr and Ayla Ehde; a brother, Gordon (Shirley) Ehde of Stillwater, MN; a sister, Betty (Dennis) Halverson of West Union; a brother-in-law, Oliver Roderick of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rosalie, who died in 2007; his brothers, Elmer, Verni and Orville Ehde; and his sisters, Lorene Severson and Margery Roderick.

Casketbearers were Ross Stammeyer, Dave Martin, Duane Martin, Scott Miene, Jason Collins and Bill Cook. His grandchildren served as honorary casketbearers along with Earl Schulte and Walter Martin.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.