Alfred Gedde

Alfred George Gedde, 101, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, November 8, 2010, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was born October 23, 1909, in Wrightstown Township, near Hewitt, Minnesota, the son of George and Anna (Christensen) Gedde. He grew up on a farm near Wadena.   He worked on farms near Wadena until 1937, when he moved to Fergus Falls and joined the Park Region Bakery.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and was stationed at Treasure Island Naval Station in San Francisco Bay, California. He also served as a baker on a Navy ship, transporting troops from San Francisco to the Philippine and Japanese Islands.. On June 12, 1943, he married Fergus Falls, resident Neomi Tomhave in San Francisco. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1945 he resumed his position at the bakery in Fergus Falls (now known as Sara Lee Bakery), and attended the Dunwoody Institute for Bakers Training. He continued his employment at the bakery until his retirement as President in 1975. His wife, Neomi, died in 1976. In 1978 Alfred was married to Adelyn Erickson. She died in 2005. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, the Elks Club, and the Masonic Lodge. He served as a Boy Scout Leader and Scoutmaster of Troop 302. Alfred took painting lessons, played the violin, was a beekeeper, and enjoyed square dancing.   Time spent outdoors deer hunting, pheasant hunting, and fox hunting from a Piper Cub airplane was a favorite pastime. Relaxing at the cottage on Wall Lake was always enjoyed as well. Preceding him in death were his parents; his two wives; and his siblings: Clifford, Walter, Jesse, Ellsworth, Melvin, Levi, George, Esther, Harold, and Evelyn. Survivors include his three children, Anne (Clint) Halvorson of Fergus Falls, Sandra (Stephen) Rufer of Fergus Falls, and Thomas (Joan) Gedde of Otter Tail Lake. Also surviving are Adelyn’s children: Alanna (Don) Stelzer of Scottsdale, AZ, Tyler (Jennifer) Erickson of Trinidad, CO, and Randi Tamke of Fergus Falls; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three siblings: Ray (Jane) Gedde of Pillager, MN, Agnes Brumbaugh of Portland, OR, and Gladys Berg of Pelican Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:   One hour prior to the service at the church Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:    Reverend Robert Kandels Interment:  Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion Funeral Home:    Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls