Galerd Francis Ehde

Galerd F. Ehde, 89, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14th, at 11:00 AM at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Galerd Francis Ehde was born on September 12, 1930, in Waukon, IA, 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. On 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, IA; 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; brothers Elmer, Verni, and Orville Ehde; and sisters Lorene Severson and Margery Roderick.

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