Garland Duane Moe, age 91, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, surrounded by family on his beloved farm.
Garland was born in Caledonia, Minn., on September 14, 1931, to Walter and Alice (Nelson) Moe. He graduated from Caledonia High School.
Garland met Joann Schwertel at the Avalon Dance Hall in La Crosse, Wis., and were married on May 20, 1954. Garland served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, from 1954-1955. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home. In 1958, he began his farming career on his family farm in rural Caledonia. Garland, along with Joann, was awarded the Root River SWCD Outstanding Conservationist award in 2014. He was an active member in the New Albin, Iowa VFW for many years as well as a member of the American Legion Post in Caledonia. He was a tax assessor for Houston County for 22 years, served on the Jefferson Township board for 12 years, as well as serving on the Houston County Planning Commission until 2014.
Garland loved spending his time fishing, hunting, and playing cards. He enjoyed playing in a softball league and pool league. He will be missed for his humor and all his storytelling.
Garland is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joann; his children Greg (Cindi) Moe, Colleen McKenzie, Bruce (Kit Brenan) Moe, Doug (Kimberly) Moe, Blaine (Connie) Moe, Rhonda (Mark) Kaelberer, and Bradley Moe; 13 grandchildren: Becky (Isaac) Harmon, Trevor (Theresa) Moe, Todd (Kali) Moe, Lance (Cherrie) Moe, Christian (Kelly) McKenzie, Alissa (Adam Giannini) Moe, Hunter Moe, Rachel (Benjamin) Mickelson, Chantelle (Levi) Mlinar, Autumn Moe, Jordan (Kelsey) Sorensen, Maranda (Brandon) Cruz, and McKenna Sorensen; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Garland was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Alice, and his sister Lorraine Ganrude.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia, Minn. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. prior to service. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family.