Caledonia Argus

Posted: 11/19/02

Theodore Gjere

Theodore K. ìTedî Gjere, 92, of Decorah, IA, died Thursday, November 14, 2002, at Aase Haugen Home following a long illness. He was born June 5, 1910 to Gilbert and Joran (Traaen) Gjere on the family farm near Highlandville, IA. He was baptized into the Christian faith at Big Canoe Lutheran Church and confirmed his faith at the same church on June 22, 1924. He was educated in the rural schools of Highland Township, Winneshiek County, IA. On April 12, 1936 he married Inez Beona Forde at the Big Canoe Lutheran Church parsonage. They farmed in Pleasant Township, Winneshiek County.

In addition to farming, Ted did custom farm work for area farmers. In 1969 Ted retired from farming and they moved to Decorah. For the next 30 years he worked as a handyman doing odd jobs for anyone who needed his services. In May of 2002 Ted and Inez moved to Oneota Riverview Care Facility in Freeport. On November 1, 2002 Ted moved to Aase Haugen Home. He was a member of Big Canoe Lutheran Church, a custodian at the church, gravedigger in the cemetery, avid fisherman who spent many hours on the Mississippi River in his boat, enjoyed playing cards, traveling and made a trip to Norway.

Survivors include his wife, Inez of Decorah; a brother James (Florence), Beloit, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters: Cora Christopherson, Nettie Mestad, Annie Roney, Gyda Losen and Gladys Doering; four brothers; Arthur, Gilford, Lloyd and Harold.

Services were held on Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m. at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in rural Decorah by Rev. David Andreae with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation was on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at Fjelstul Funeral Home and on Sunday after 1 p.m. at the church.

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