Bernard Gadient

Bernard "Ben" Gadient, age 90 of Red Wing, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2012. Bernard was born on June 26, 1921 in Goodhue to David and Alfreda (Matter) Gadient. He grew up in Goodhue and graduated from Goodhue High School in 1940. After high school, he worked on various farms. He served in the US Army during WWII. In 1953 he married Agnes Speedling. He started B.F. Gadient Construction in 1953, where he worked as a home builder and developer. His legacy continues as Gadient Brothers Construction. Bernard worked hard and played hard. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, spending time with his family at the cabin and traveling. He also enjoyed farming, a passion that never left his heart. Bernard was a member of the Church of Saint Joseph, VFW Burnson Lillyblad #1218 and American Legion Leo C. Peterson Post #54. Bernard was often heard saying, "I made a lot of good investments in my lifetime, but my best investment was my wife and eight children."

Bernard is survived by his wife, Agnes; eight children, Marge (Denny) Tebbe, Jim (Sandy) Gadient, Tom (Teresa) Gadient, Nancy (Charlie) Prahl, Brian (fiancé Sue) Gadient, Angie (Gary) Strusz, Leo Gadient, and Tracy (Anita) Gadient all of Red Wing; sixteen grandchildren, Kristen, Brenda, Jess, Erin, Ben, Ann, Jill, Molly, Corey, Breanna, Jared, Brittany, Jack, David, Joe and Kate; eight great-grandchildren; six siblings, Father Peter Gadient, Bob (Berdell) Gadient, Katherine (Louis) Ward, Genie Morelan, Bill (Kay) Gadient, and Ray (Ruth) Gadient; one brother-in-law, Len Lodermier; two sisters-in-law, Nita Gadient and Shirley Gadient. Bernard is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and three sisters.

Mass of Resurrection will be 11 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Church of Saint Joseph with Father Thomas M. Kommers and Father Joseph LaPlante presiding. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Foundation, Red Wing Area Hospice and Deer Crest.