Donald Gandrud, of Glenwood, Minn., died Aug. 4, 2016. Serves were held Aug. 11, 2016, at the Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck, Minn., with Reverend Paul Johnson officiating. Burial was at the Fron Lutheran Cemetery.
Donald Gilman Gandrud, son of Gilman and Elsie (Eckman) Gandrud was born on Jan. 10, 1931, in Glenwood, Minn., where he grew up and attended school. Graduating from Glenwood High School in 1948, Don entered Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. While in college, he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served his country during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged in Nov. of 1954, Don returned to college, where he was on the Luther Men’s Golf Team. He graduated in 1956 from Luther College, with a bachelor’s degree in business. During college, Don met Colleen (Smedstad) Gandrud ‘56 and in June of 1957 the couple was united in marriage at the Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck. They made their home in the Minneapolis area over the next 33 ½ years, where Don worked for Land O’ Lakes as a regional manager. After retiring in 1990, the couple built a lake home on Lake Minnewaska near Starbuck and in 2003, moved to a home south and west of Glenwood. Don and Colleen enjoyed spending twelve winters in New Braunfels, Texas, and twelve winters in Sun City, Ariz.
Don loved to golf, fish, and hunt. Being a golfer for 75 years, he had many opportunities to teach someone how to improve their swing including his family. Fishing on Minnewaska was a favorite, as he also enjoyed several trips to Canada and even a trip to Devils Lake, N.D., this past summer. In the fall you could find him out with his son and other avid hunters searching for birds and deer. Before moving to the Minnewaska area Don was a very active member at Christ the King serving as the financial secretary. Don was a member of the Fron Lutheran Church, the Minnewaska Golf Club, and Starbuck Lions and helped start the Minnewaska Lake Association, where he served on the board for many years.
Don worked with youth sports for several years as his kids were growing up. You could often find him watching or reading about high school, college and professional sports. He was an avid Timberwolves, Vikings, Twins and Gopher fan. Don was a great cook and was best known for his vegetable soup. Don will be remembered for his love of people, kind heart, and finding the good in all; however, he will be mostly remembered for the love of his family.
Don died peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 5, 2016, at his home near Glenwood. He was 85 years old.
He is survived by his wife: Colleen (Smedstad) Gandrud ‘56, Glenwood, Minn.; two children: Jeanne (Steve) Ball, Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Paul (Ann) Gandrud, Eau Claire, Wis.; two brothers: Howard (JoAnn) Gandrud, Champlin, Minn., and Ken Gandrud, Minneapolis; one sister, June (Kevin) Perrizo, Fargo, N.D.; and four grandchildren: Stephanie (Matt) Deniger, Nicole Ball, Justin and Jake Gandrud. Don was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Donna Mae Gandrud.