Rasmus K. Gaard (1847-1911)

GAARD, ERICKSON, ASKE, THOMPSON

Posted By: Alan Nicholson
Date: 4/29/2010 at 23:56:57

Roland Record
30 November 1911

R. K. Gaard Passes Away

Highly Respected Resident of Roland Passes Away Last Thursday Evening at the Age of Sixty Five Years, Funeral Held Sunday Afternoon

Rasmus K. Gaard passed away at nine o'clock on Thursday evening, November 23, 1911, after three weeks sickness. For the past year he has been gradually failing but it was not until three weeks previous to his death that he was confined to his bed. His condition was very serious from the first, and everything done to prolong his life, but after suffering a stroke of paralysis on Saturday previous to his death, he became unconscious and breathed his last as above mentioned surrounded by his family.

Rasmus K. Gaard was born in Talje, Finno, Prestegjeld, Norway, January 7, 1847, and was 64 years, 10 months and 16 days old when the summons came for him to enter the Great Unknown. When a young man, he received a liberal education and soon became a teacher in the schools of Talje and Strand which vocation he followed until 1871, when he came to this country, soon buying a farm near Story City where he lived for eight years. He was married to Miss Rachel Erickson Aske in 1874 and to this union eight children were born, four of whom have passed to the Great Beyond. His wife died November 20, 1902. The children now living are Dr. R. R. Gaard, of Radcliffe, Mrs. O. T. Thompson, Mr. Homer Gaard and Miss Amy Gaard all of this place.

In 1882, he with his family moved to Roland, where he has since made his home. He conducted a grocery store for several years, later entering the lumber business with L. A. Britson. Selling his interest in the lumber business, he purchased a stock of general merchandise at McCallsburg, his partner conducting the business. For the past few years he has, however, not been actively engaged in any business.

When the Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. of Story and adjoining Counties was organized in 1887, Mr. Gaard was elected treasurer, serving in this capacity the first year, being elected as secretary the second year and help this position continuously until his death, enjoying the confidence of the shareholders and officers of the association,.

The funeral services were held from Bergen church of which he had been a member since coming to this country, on Saturday afternoon, Rev. G. Smedal preaching the funeral sermon. The church was filled to overflowing with friends who wished to show their last respects to one of the honored citizens of our town. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful. After the funeral services the remains were laid to rest in the Roland cemetery, beside his wife and children. The sorrowing family is extended the sincere sympathy of their numerous friends in the your of their bereavement.

His brothers, T. K. Gaard, of Elmore, Minn., and Reinert Gaard of Preston, S. D. and Miss Mary Gaard and Mr. K. T. Gaard both of Elmore, Minn. were present at the funeral.

Card of Thanks

We wish to express our sincere thanks to our friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during the illness and death of our father, R. K. Gaard. Also for the beautiful floral offerings.

Dr. and Mrs. R. R. Gaard
Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Gaard
Homer and Amy Gaard