OBITUARY: Ricky Gerhardson of Colfax Township

Ricky Gerhardson, 69, of New London, died Saturday, November 1, at his home near New London surrounded by his loving family. His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7 at Crow River Lutheran Church, rural New London. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and continue one hour prior to the service all at the church. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Belgrade.

Online tributes can be posted at the funeral home's website: www.hafh.org.

Ricky Gerhard Gerhardson was born August 11, 1956, to Gerhard and Marilyn (Skindelien) Gerhardson in Willmar. He was baptized and confirmed at Crow River Lutheran Church. Ricky grew up in Colfax Township and graduated from New London-Spicer High School in 1974. 

On August 13, 1977, Ricky was united in marriage to Diane Lindahl at Crow River Lutheran Church. They made their home in Colfax Township and were blessed with two daughters, Trisha and Tracy.

Ricky dedicated over 40 years to the Department of Natural Resources. He took great pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic, though he made sure to always take Fridays off. 

A lifelong member of Crow River Lutheran Church, Ricky served many years on the church cemetery board. 

Ricky had a deep love for his farm and spent countless hours tending to it. Whether caring for his cattle and horses, baling hay, or working at his sawmill, he was happiest with his hands busy. He also cherished time spent with friends, always ready for a good visit, and loved traveling across the country with the Timber 8. Ricky had a kind and easygoing nature, always striving to see the good in everyone and was the type of person who could carry on a conversation with anyone. Through his years of reading, connecting with others through the Peach paper, he met many people, and strangers quickly became friends.  

Above all, Ricky’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. When they were little, they spent nearly every weekend at grandma and grandpa’s, making memories that will be held close forever. They especially looked forward to Fridays, when grandpa would take them to the Ka-De Shack for breakfast. They then would spend the day and weekend together, those simple, unhurried days becoming some of their most treasured memories. He was known for teaching them all how to drive and for those early mornings when he made them breakfast and sent them off to school with smiles. They loved him deeply, and he loved them right back. 

Ricky is survived by his loving wife, Diane; daughters, Trisha (Patrick) Thieschafer and Tracy (Brian) Detloff; grandchildren, McKenzie (Nathan) Hirte, Olivia and Bree Thieschafer, and Presley, McCoy, and Decker Detloff; siblings, Mona (Delmar) Jensen, Gary (Vanessa) Gerhardson, and Jeffrey (Angela) Gerhardson; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Marilyn; and his in-laws, Miles and Carol Lindahl.