1925
James
2010
James Gjerde
May 15, 1925 — May 21, 2010
James was born May 15, 1925 in Wolverton, Minnesota to Simon and Borgny (Garnes) Gjerde, who moved here from Norway. They later bought a farm near the Strawberry Lake area where James attended school and worked on the family farm.
James is a WWII Veteran, who proudly served his country. He was inducted into the U.S. Army through Fort Snelling. He served with the Battery C 254
th
Field Heavy Artillery Battalion in France, Germany, England, Belgium and Holland from 1943- 1946. After his discharge from the service he moved out west to Tillamook, Oregon doing logging for a short time. He later moved back to the Strawberry Lake area.
He married Leona (Babe) Cogger, September 22, 1950 at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Over the years James worked various jobs including; cutting pulp, construction, auto mechanics at Eddy’s Auto Parts, he taught a welding class at the Technical college in DL, was self employed at Gjerde Repair and Gjerde Auto Sales and worked for Steiger Tractor in Fargo as a welder for 13 years.
Some of his interests in life were working on cars, selling cars, welding, and he so enjoyed his many trips out west to visit relatives. He especially enjoyed the family get togethers, holiday meals, and he adored his puppy Mitzi. He was a hard worker in his working years, a quiet man but always had a smile. He touched the hearts and lives of many and made friends wherever he was.
In the fall of 2006 he sold his home in Callaway and moved into the Silver Birch Apartments in Detroit Lakes. In August 2008 he moved into Emmanuel Nursing Home residing there until the time of his death.
He was a life member of VFW Post 1676 and a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
James is survived by two sons; Jerry (Lisa) Gjerde of Brandon, South Dakota, and Alan Gjerde of Detroit Lakes, seven daughters; Lynda (Wilmer) Hultin, Loretta Gjerde both of Callaway, Myrna Rousu, Lorraine (Duane) Lindsay, Deb Mosher, Betty Erickson all of Detroit Lakes, Sandy Olson of Rochert, three sisters; Irene McDowell of Renton, Washington, JoAnn (Don) Gustafson, Lorna Schons, both of Ogema, 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Leona (Babe) Gjerde (November 29, 2002) Parents Simon and Borgny Gjerde, three brothers, Richard, Robert and Willard, one sister, Sylvia Ringstad, two sons and a daughter and his beloved puppy Mitzi.
Blessed be the memory of James Alfred Gjerde.
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