Ernest Orin Gavle

Ernest Orrin Gavle, 83, of rural Dorchester IA died December 8, 2018 in a farm accident near his home. He was born August 9, 1935 to Orletta (Tangen) and Edgar Gavle. He was baptized at Iowa River Lutheran Church September 8, 1935. When he was 18 months old his family moved to their farm in Dorchester IA. He attended Waterloo Ridge country school near his home and formed many lifelong friendships there. After graduating from country school he continued his education at Spring Grove Public School. He was confirmed June 18, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove MN. Ernest was a devoted son and cared for his mother when her health declined until he could no longer do so. Orletta passed away December 29, 1984. Ernest farmed with his father until Edgar’s death on April 6, 1989. He was a nearly lifelong and devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Caledonia MN and held several offices there. He rarely missed a Sunday service even when the weather was bad. He was a member of the Republican Central Committee of Allamakee County and a former trustee for Waterloo Township. He also served on the board for Iowa River Cemetery. Ernest was a good cook and often friends and neighbors would “stop in” at mealtime to share a bite with him. He also had a love of sweets and family and friends always made sure he had homemade treats to eat. He kept a daily diary for almost 60 years and he enjoyed looking back through the pages and sharing little bits of history. He also kept a birthday book and never forgot a birthday or special occasion. Ernest enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He had the best laugh and sometimes he would get to giggling so hard it was infectious! He was always willing to lend a hand and could often be found helping out a neighbor. Although he enjoyed being home on the farm he also liked to travel. He took a trip in 1964 to visit relatives in Seattle Washington and also made several trips to North Dakota to visit relatives. He is survived by first cousins Gordon (Sandra) Tangen, Vernon (Sandra) Gavle, Burton (Bud) Gavle (Emma Thompson), RuthAnn Pladsen, Janet (Dave) Starr, Lorna (Chester) Thune, Lois Anderson, and Jean Mineger as well as other extended family members and his Waterloo Ridge “family”. He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Albert and Anna Tangen, paternal grandparents Nels and Bessie Gavle, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Ernest was truly a blessing.

Ernest Orin Gavle

August 9, 1935 - December 8, 2018