Elmer Robert Gaddes

Elmer Gaddes of Pine City died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 3rd at the age of 88. Elmer was born and raised in Brook Park, Mn. He lived on the family farm until he joined the Army at age 18. He was stationed in Germany until he was called stateside for further training. He was aboard a ship sailing for Japan when Japan surrendered. He was honorably discharged July 26, 1946. Elmer married the love of his life, June Bowers, August 2, 1950. They were blessed with 3 children: Deidre, Durand, and Darien. Elmer was a working partner for OK Power Co. He spent the next 50 years as a lineman. He traveled with his family throughout the Midwest. He and his family settled in Pine City in 1963. Elmer worked for United Power Association (UPA) until his retirement July 1, 1990. Elmer was a patient, loving, generous, caring person. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, to volunteer both his time and skills. He loved family gatherings at home. He was always teasing, laughing, and joking around, with a smile for everyone. He enjoyed hunting trips with family and friends, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his wife June and his family. In later years he thought four wheels were safer so he bought a convertible. Elmer is survived by his wife of 64 years June Gaddes and his three children Deidre (Steve) Broberg, Pine City, MN., Durand (Jan) Gaddes, Lindstrom, MN., and Darien (Barb) Gaddes of Elk River, MN. Four grandchildren: Scott (Heidi) Broberg, Christine (Reggie) Frazier, Gena Gaddes and Kamren (Brianna) Gaddes, and great grandson Wyatt Frazier. Also survived by sister Darlene (Dave) Rudolph of Frederic, WI., brothers Don Gaddes of Onalaska, WI., Russ (Eileen) Gaddes of Inver Grove Hgts, MN., sisters and brothers-in-law Joyce (Jerry) Larson, George Bowers, Arnold (Bea) Bowers, and Boyd (Pat) Bowers as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Violet (Wood) Gaddes. His sister Shirley and great nephew Zac.   Sisters and brothers-in-law Karen Gaddes, Dennis, Gene, Jeanne, and Opal Bowers. A Memorial Mass for Elmer Gaddes will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 10th at Immaculate Conception Church, Pine City with Msgr. Aleksander Suchan presiding. There will be a time of visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church in the St. Anthony Room. Military rites after the service will be held by the Heath Perkins American Legion Post #51, the Minnesota National Guard and the Novak Milliren VFW Post # 4258. A private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to St. Croix hospice or Immaculate Conception Church.