Gary Cardwell

Gary Cardwell, age 79, peacefully gained his wings and went to be with his Savior on February 19, 2021.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Brad Soenksen will officiate, and inurnment will be at Valley View Cemetery in Browns Valley, MN, at a later date in the Spring 2021.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings of up to 250 people. The use of face masks by attendees is recommended, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming is available in most situations.

Gary Earl Cardwell was born on April 26, 1941, in Wilmot, SD, to Albert and Ethel (Fitz) Cardwell. At a young age, Gary, along with his parents and eight siblings, moved to a farm outside of Browns Valley, MN. He attended country school in Wilmot, SD, and graduated from Browns Valley High School. Gary was actively involved in track and football throughout his high school years. He also enjoyed riding horses with his sister and his friends.

On November 23, 1963, Gary was united in marriage with Patricia Palmer at the Methodist church in Beardsley, MN. They were blessed with three sons: Bradley, Curtis, and Kelly. Along with their children, Gary and Pat moved several times until they purchased the homestead near Clinton, MN, in the Fall of 1974.

Gary held numerous occupations such as carpentry, house moving, and worked for MVBA before he found that dairy farming was his passion. He was on the Board of Directors for the Browns Valley Creamery for many years and a member of the Ole Power and Machinery Club. After retirement, Gary and Pat moved to Pelican Rapids, MN.

Gary’s love of tractors was evident in the many parades and events in which he participated. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, watching clouds and going for long drives. Gary loved jellybeans, vanilla ice cream, Western movies, and reading books. He especially loved being with Trish and his family.

Left with many memories are his wife of 57 years, Patricia Cardwell; sons: Bradley (Jamie) of Ortonville, MN; Curtis (Jennifer) Cardwell of Pelican Rapids, MN; and Kelly (special friend, Lisa) of Forsyth, MT; grandchildren: Deven (Megan), Branden (Miranda), Logen (Brooke), Heather (Josh), Hana (James), Corbin, Hope (Kassidy), Katy, Nate, and Austin; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters: Fay Webster and Shirley Steen; brother, Larry Cardwell; step-siblings: Donald Palmer, Arlys (John) Brown, Hazen (Red) Palmer, Toddy Stickland, Dean (Carol) Palmer, Darryll (Beth) Palmer, and Sandi (Dick) Stotesbery; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; two sisters, three brothers; one stepbrother; and two stepsisters-in-law.

A heartfelt “Thank You” to the Pelican Rapid River Front on Main and Hospice of Red River Valley for their special care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s name can be made to River Front on Main, Hospice of Red River Valley, or Clinton Care Center.