Goodwin T. Earlandson, 78, Fergus Falls, MN

Goodwin T. Erlandson, 78, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at his home.

He was born on Oct. 13, 1929, in rural Fergus Falls, the son of Adolf and Thora (Hole) Erlandson. He was baptized and confirmed at Aastad Lutheran Church. He attended rural school at District 64, then went to school in Fergus Falls. He graduated from Morris Ag School.

On June 13, 1953, he married Othelia Oak at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He farmed in Aastad Township until 1976, where he raised crops and livestock. He also worked for Na-Churs Fertilizer, and then for AAL Insurance.

He later worked at Valley Soft Water until he bought the business in 1988, with his son, Dean. He always said he would work until he died.

Goodwin was a lifetime member of Aastad Lutheran Church where he held several offices over the years. He enjoyed singing, and was a part of the Lake Country Barbershop for several years.

He loved baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins. As a young man he played baseball for the Aastad Squires Team. He coached the Aastad 4-H softball team — turning it into a winning team. He also sponsored an adult softball team in Wendell during the years he was selling Na-Chur Fertilizer. He also loved to visit.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Julian, Victor, and Raymond; and one sister, Marion.

Survivors include his wife, Othelia of Fergus Falls; his four children: Gail (Arvid) Edmunds of Ada, Jeff Erlandson of Fergus Falls, Dean (Wendy) Erlandson of Dalton, and Tony (Patty) Erlandson of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren: Thea Erlandson, Joanna (Zack) Tysdal, Patrick Knutson, Simon Erlandson and Devin Erlandson; two brothers: Milton (Arlene) Erlandson of Elbow Lake, and Leonard (Marion) Erlandson of Fergus Falls; and two sisters, Margaret Reese and Bernice Lamb.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 2 p.m. Friday, at Aastad Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls

Clergy: Rev. Wes Moir

Burial: Aastad Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

n Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com