Gerald Eugene Thomforde, 91, of Red Wing, died Sunday, April 26, 2020 at his home. He was born August 28, 1928 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Raymond and Barbara (Feindt) Thomforde. He attended Hay Creek Immanuel Lutheran School and Goodhue High School. On August 25, 1951 he married Mary J. Madison at First Covenant Church in Red Wing. He worked at Buck Implemet Co. in Goodhue before serving in the U.S. Army from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1956. He then established Hiawatha Auto Service, selling Checker automobiles and servicing vehicles until 1990. He then went on to work at Behrens Supply until 97 and then Car Quest, Hanson Mower and Mississippi National Golf Course.
He was a member of First Covenant Church where he held offices on the church board and also taught Sunday School. He was a member of the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post 54, the Jaycees, and Golden Kiwanis. He also volunteered at the area food shelf and Sunshine Corner pre-school.
He enjoyed family and friends, traveling, camping and sports. He played softball and bowled on leagues for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, David (Cheryl) Thomforde of Apple Valley; daughter, Diane (Quintin) of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; 8 grandchildren, Michael Foster, Carly McCarthy, Dane Thomforde, Ethan Thomforde, Haley Morse, Amanda Leenstra, Hillary Johnson and Brianna Legler; 6 great-grandchildren, Charley, Isla, Molly, Sadie, Lucy and Amelia; siblings, Charles (Phyllis) Thomforde of Minneapolis and Shirley (Bud) Lawrence of Mankato; sister-in-law, Elaine Thomforde; as well as many nieces and nephews, other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his son; Bruce Thomforde, an infant son; grandson, Alex Thomforde; brother, Kenneth Thomforde and his parents.
A private family burial will be held at Oakwood. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com