Earl Gease

Earl Charley Gease was born on October 12, 1920 in Ida Township, Douglas County, Minnesota to Alfred and Elsie (Schuneman) Gease. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John?s Lutheran Church in Garfield. Earl attended St. John?s Parcochial School through the eighth grade. He worked on the family farm and also Garfield Poultry Farms, Locker Plant and the Creamery. Earl enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July of 1942, obtaining the rank of Aviation Electrician?s Mate 2C. Earl served in Illinois, Indiana, and Kaneohe Bay Oahu, Hawaii, Florida and California. He received an honorable discharge in January of 1946. Following his discharge, Earl started his own electrical business in Garfield, MN. Earl served on the Garfield Fire Department for 22 years. On October 26, 1947 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Froemming at St. John?s Lutheran Church in Garfield. This marriage was blessed with four children, Glenda, Wayne, Gail and Donna. They resided in Garfield where he managed the locker plant until 1955 when he went to work at Bellanca Aircraft in Alexandria, MN until its closure. He then worked for Paul?s Fire Extinguisher Service where he was employed until his retirement. In 1968 they moved to their current residence in Alexandria. Earl was very active in the Alexandria American Legion Post 87 for over 50 years as well as the Alexandria VFW Post 936. He served as commander as well as other duties in both organizations. Earl organized and conducted Military Honors for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and helping all his children with many home projects. Earl died on October 20, 2009 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Elsie; and two sisters, Viola Tvrdik and Florella Erickson. Earl is survived by his wife of 62 years Evelyn of Alexandria; daughter, Glenda (Mike) Kvitek of Alexandria, son, Wayne (Sherry) Gease of Alexandria, daughter, Gail (Darrell) Black of Apple Valley, MN and daughter, Donna (Randy) Christianson of Fargo, ND; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Armond Gease of Crosslake, MN; and one brother-in-law Alvin Tvrdik of Alexandria. A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Terry Finnern and Reverend William Moeller officiating. Music was provided by organist Mertice Brueske and soloist, Patrick Kalina. Military Honors were provided by Alexandria American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. Interment was in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Earl?s grandsons, Kalin Kvitek, Craig Black, Curt Black, Nick Brosh, Travis Gease, and Cody Gease. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.