Eric Christopher Gjellstad, 71, of Waconia, Minn., passed away on December 13, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society home in Waconia, Minn.
Eric was born in Cody, Wyo., on June 7, 1952. His family later moved to Decorah, Iowa, where he attended elementary school, and then to Lawrence, Kans., where he graduated high school and attended the University of Kansas. Eric made his home with his family in Chatfield, Minn., where he lived for 30 years. He was an active member of Chatfield Lutheran Church. Eric taught Sunday School and served as a confirmation mentor for many years. A dedicated volunteer, he served on the Chatfield Ambulance Crew for 20 years, was an EMT instructor, and trained many people to become certified EMTs. He took great joy in serving his community.
In his later years, Eric lived in Ada, Minn., where he helped care for his sister and continued to teach Sunday School at Grace Lutheran Church. He was a prolific postcard writer and loved sending postcards to his children, grandchildren, grandnieces, and grandnephews. They always included a note about the weather.
He is survived by his son Carl (Stephanie) Gjellstad of Waconia, Minn., daughter Emily (Doug) Maser of Rogers, Minn., grandchildren Jordan, Alison, Ainsley, Fredrik and Helena; brother Tim (Jane) Gjellstad of Clarksville, Tenn., sister Marybeth Hauffe of Wuppertal, Germany, former wife Elizabeth Lynch of Saint Paul, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Ivar and Frieda Gjellstad, brother Rolfe Gjellstad, and sister Camilla Sorenson.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 20, at 1 p.m. at Chatfield Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Minn., with Pastor Paul Hauschild officiating. Visitation from noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Chatfield Ambulance or Friends of the Chatfield Public Library.
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. (952) 442-2121, info@johnsonfh.com.