Maynard Gjerde

Ervin Maynard Sanford Gjerde, 93, of Elmore passed away on July 25, 2016 at Southview Estates in Blue Earth, MN.Visitation time will be Wednesday, July 27 from 5:00 PM 7:00 PM at St. Luke''s Lutheran Chapel, 1219 S. Ramsey St., Blue Earth and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at 11:00 AM, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, with Rev. Robert Roettger officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Elmore. Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.comErvin was born in Lakefield, MN on August 4, 1922 to Rev. Severin and Irene Judd Gjerde. In 1929 his family moved from Spicer, MN to Elmore, MN where he was confirmed at Shiloh Lutheran Church. He graduated from Elmore High School in 1941. Maynard was a WWII Veteran who served his country for 38 months. In 2010 he joined other veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial. Maynard married Madonna Thompson on May 6, 1948 at Shiloh Lutheran Church; they were blessed with four children.In his retired years, Maynard took up woodworking crafts which he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. An annual fishing trip began when Maynard and Madonna chaperoned the Luther League trip to the NW Angle on Lake of the Woods. For 35 years they made this fishing trip with friends or family. Maynard was a volunteer fireman in Elmore and was active in his church. He found much pleasure being with his family and riding his moped around the Elmore community until age 92. In August 2015, he and his wife moved to Blue Earth, MN where they made their new home. He is survived by his wife Madonna of Blue Earth; daughter, Rhonna (Bob) Jarchow of Luverne; (Cory, Logan, Tommy); son, Dan (Kathy) Gjerde of Cleveland; (Brian, Angie, Ella, Bennett, Ethan; Kristin, Terry, Taylor, Madison); son, Doug (Denise) Gjerde of Mankato; (Holly, Michael, Kelsey, Connor; Bridget, Charlie, Morgan, Jack; Lacey, Charlie, Anika, Bjorn); daughter, Pat (Stuart) Gray of Jordan and sister Lorraine Nordaas of Blue Earth. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Selmer Gjerde and sister, Ellen Mae Fodness. Memorials are preferred to Interfaith Caregivers and UHD Hospice both of Blue Earth.