Earle Magnus Jolstad

 

March 25, 1925 – October 12, 2018

 

Earle Jolstad, 93, of Willmar, formerly of Kerkhoven, died Friday, October 12th at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. His funeral will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 17th at Bethesda Grand with burial in Hillside Cemetery in Kerkhoven. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Tuesday at Harvey Anderson Kerkhoven Funeral Home in Kerkhoven and continue one hour prior to the service at Bethesda Grand on Wednesday.

 

Earle Magnus Jolstad was born March 25, 1925, on a farm three miles south of Kerkhoven, the son of Magnus and Alma (Koester) Jolstad. At age 11, his family moved three miles north to a farm in Pillsbury Township where he would spend the next 73 years. He attended school in Kerkhoven, graduating in 1943. He was baptized, confirmed and was a lifelong member of Kerkhoven Lutheran Church.

 

On January 5, 1952, he was united in marriage to Luella “Babe” Pedersen. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Kelly. Earle farmed for many years, raising hogs, cows and chickens. When he was younger, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. After retiring, he and Babe enjoyed a large garden, traveling and spending time with their grandkids. Earle continued to live on the farm until Babe’s death in 2009, when he moved to Willmar. He had lived at Sunrise Village, Heritage Center and Bethesda Grand.

 

Surviving are his daughter, Sue Guetter of Willmar; grandchildren, Jennifer (and Eric) Andrews of Johnson and Josh Guetter of Willmar; three great grandchildren: Alaina, Brayden and Ava. Also surviving are his sister, Marlene Krattenmaker of Kerkhoven; two nieces and two nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Babe in 2009, daughter, Kelly in 1987, son-in-law, Ed Guetter and sister, Margaret Anderson.

 

Earle’s family would like to thank Rice Hospice for their care and compassion. A special thank you to the staff at Bethesda for their wonderful care and to the other residents who have become part of his family for the past nine years.

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