Edward “Ed” Paul Gerhart Jr., 79, of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, June 4, 2015, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, Austin.

He was born June 13, 1935, in Austin to Edward Sr. and Beatrice (Clark) Gerhart and lived his entire life in Austin. Ed attended St. Augustine Catholic School. On Nov. 22, 1958, he married Dorothy Christensen in Austin. The couple raised four children. Ed served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957, achieving the rank of Airman First Class, and was a member of the American Legion. He worked in construction, helping build Interstate 90, and also worked at the missile sites in North Dakota. In 1967, Ed began a 20-year career at Hormel Foods. He liked watching westerns, especially John Wayne movies. Ed was proficient in the kitchen — he enjoyed cooking, canning and baking cookies.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy Gerhart of Austin; his children: Tom (Cheryl) Gerhart of Austin, Tim (Kathleen) Gerhart of Columbia City, Indiana, Terry Gerhart of Austin, and Angie Gerhart (fiancé Troy Reese) of Albert Lea, Minnesota; five grandchildren: Adam, Megan, Jordan, Seth, and Taylor; two great-grandchildren: Micah and Maiyah; sisters: Patricia Maly, and Betty (Richard) Veldman, both of Austin; his brother Chester (Barbara) Gerhart, also of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Beatrice Gerhart.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2015, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Pastor Karen Behling officiating. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post No. 91. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday June 7, 2015, at Worlein Funeral Home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society or recipient of donor’s choice. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.