Harry D. Gandrup (1923-2006)

GANDRUP, TORKELSON, KNUTSON, GRAHAM, WEIDLEIN, JOHNSON, MCKEEVER, SWENSON, ELLINGSON, YOCUM, THOMPSON, IRWIN

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 6/18/2006 at 08:28:14

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Saturday, June 17, 2006.

Harry D. Gandrup
May 16, 1923 - June 15, 2006
Harry D. Gandrup, 83 of Ames, formerly of Nevada, passed away at his home on Thursday, June 15. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 19, at the Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada with Pastors Myron D. Herzberg and David R. Burling officiating. Burial of the cremains will be held at Nevada Municipal Cemetery with military honors immediately following the service.

Harry was born on May 16, 1923, in Story City to Burton and Cora (Torkelson) Gandrup. He graduated from Story City High School in 1941. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and was stationed in Santa Ana, Calif., and 29 Palms. Harry graduated from flight school at Luke Field, Ariz., in 1944. As a first lieutenant, he served as a pilot and flight instructor.

Harry was joined in marriage to Norma Knutson on Aug. 31, 1947, in Story City, and they made their first homes in Des Moines and Story City. He graduated from the College of Pharmacy at Drake University in 1950 and then worked at his dad's drug store in Story City. Harry was a fourth-generation pharmacist. He and his family moved to Iowa City, and he was employed as a pharmacist at Lubin's Drug Store there for seven years.

In 1956, Harry and Norma purchased Berka's Drug Store in Nevada. They spent 32 years in this life's work, creating a landmark retail business and favorite gathering place for many in downtown Nevada and making lifetime friendships with many employees and customers. They retired in 1988 and moved to Ames in 2003.
Harry was a 50-plus year member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. He was active in Lion's Club, American Legion, the Nevada Chamber of Commerce and Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada.

Harry will be remembered by those he leaves behind for his love for his family, his sweet disposition, the way he always made those around him feel special and his love for flying. For several years he owned a plane and enjoyed sharing the experience with family and friends and performing the aerobatic maneuvers he loved over the skies of Nevada. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wallace and son-in-law Charles Graham.

Harry is survived by his wife, Norma of Ames; two daughters, Elaine Weidlein of Fort Dodge and Debbie Gandrup of Ames; grandchildren, Cathy (John) Johnson of Terrell, Texas, Wendy Weidlein of Iowa City and Bill Weidlein of Story City; a sister, Louise (Mac) McKeever of Crystal Lake, Ill.; sister-in-laws, Marianne Gandrup, Arlie Swenson and Elsie Ellingson of Story City; nieces, Angela (Terry) Yocum of Liscomb, Gayla (Brian) Thompson of Story City, and Jill (Scott) Irwin of Lincoln, Neb.; and nephew, Scott (Kari) McKeever of Crystal Lake, Ill.

The family will receive friends today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chet Ryan Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Israel Family Hospice House, Heartland Senior Services or Memorial Lutheran Church.

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