Erwin Arnold GjerdingenErwin Arnold Gjerdingen was born January 11, 1918, at his parents' home in Langhei Township, of rural Pope County, Minnesota. His parents were Edwin and Alma (Anondson) Gjerdingen. He was confirmed and married in Norwegian by Rev. Palmer at East Zion Lutheran Church, a country church in Pope County.As a young adult Erwin attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, North Dakota, and studied the field of automotive mechanics. On September 15, 1940, he was united in marriage to Margaret Dokken of Barsness Township in Pope County. Except for the first year in Starbuck, three years stationed in Laredo, Texas, and the last six months in Arden Hills, Erwin and Margaret lived in Benson for most of their 69 years of marriage.Erwin was a longtime employee of the Ford dealership in Benson. He was a World War II veteran and served in the Army Air Force. Erwin became a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in the early 50's and served as usher, youth advisor and member of the church council. He was also an active member of the American Legion (since 1946) and regularly took part in the Memorial Day parade and cemetery events.Erwin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. The family enjoyed road trip vacations to the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and Glacier, and summers spent at a cottage on Lake Minnewaska surrounded by loving family and friends.Erwin was called from this life on Thursday, October 8, at Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, at the age of 91 years, 8 months, and 27 days.Erwin is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Arden Hills; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and John Ehrhardt, of Cathedral City, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Eugene and Dwenda of Roseville; grandsons, David of Brooklyn Park and Steven of Roseville; brother, Gerald, of Bloomington; and several nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Alma; brother and sister-in-law, Herbert and Evelyn; sister and brother-in-law, Orla and Ralph Dokken; infant sister, Evelyn; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Garfield and Jonnette Dokken.
