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William “Bill” Gard, 93, of Early passed away Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Early. KC Rosary will be held Monday, Jan. 15, at 4:45 p.m. followed by visitation from 5-7 p.m. at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Bill was born June 28, 1930, to Albert and Kathryn (Lang) Gard. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early where he remained a lifelong member. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in 1947. After graduation, he began farming with his father Albert. On April 22, 1957, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Ann Scharfenkamp at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lidderdale. The couple was blessed with five children: Diane, Donna, Michael, David and Katie. Bill and Mary Ann moved to the farm northwest of Early, where he grew up and started to raise their family. For many years thereafter, he continued farming with Albert. Bill always cherished the relationship he formed working side by side with his dad. He loved the land and especially enjoyed calving season, taking great pride in raising a new set of baby calves. Upon retirement in 1995, Dave took over the now Century Farm. Bill was able to form that same special partnership, this time creating that same bond with his son. Moving to town in 1999 did not stop him from being involved in the farm. Bill continued driving tractors until the age of 90. In his later years, Dad especially loved the harvest season.
Driving the combine and the tractor and wagon was a favorite. He embraced seedbed preparation using GPS technology and as a result was able to extend his years of being able to drive the tractor. His shared wisdom and experience were priceless to his family. In December 2022, Dad got his wish to move back to the Century Farm to enjoy his remaining days on the land he so loved.
Bill was a member of Knights of Columbus and served on numerous boards and committees for both school and church. He followed the Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His kids and grandkids' sporting events were a favorite and a trip to Wells Fargo Arena was a special treat.
Those who will greatly miss him and cherish his memory include children: Diane (Mark) Wilson of Nevada; Donna (Glenn) Carleton of Johnston; Michael (Julee) of Naperville, Ill.; David of Early; and Kate (Craig Howell) Ware of Walker; grandchildren: Erin (Matt) Larson, Nicole (Matt) Thompson, Colin (Clare) Carleton, Connor (Heather) Carleton, Gavin Carleton, Anna Gard, Andrew Gard, Caroline Gard, Emma Ware, Ellie Ware and Elise Ware; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sloane, Brooks and Grant Larson; Alex, Elena and Blake Thompson; sister Ernestine Nielsen of Omaha, Neb.; sisters-in-law: Shirley Gard of Omaha, Neb.; Janet Davis of Johnston; Karen Scharfenkamp of Carroll; and brother-in-law, Roy Scharfenkamp of Baudette, Minn.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann in 2008; his parents; parents-in-law; his brother Ken and sister Ramona; brothers-in-law: Bill Nielsen, Dick Davis, Bob Scharfenkamp, John Scharfenkamp and Joe Berger; sisters-in-law: Mary Jane Scharfenkamp, Jean Berger and Carol Scharfenkamp.
