Michael Gade, 71

Michael Gade died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at his Cold Spring home, with his family present. He was 71.

Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Church of St. Anthony in Watkins. Private family interment will be at a later date, at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Okabena, Minn.

Michael Larry Gade was born March 12, 1950, in Heron Lake, Minn., to Lyle and Donna Mae (Wolff) Gade. He graduated from Okabena High School in 1968. He attended the University of North Dakota before returning home to work on the family farm. His knack for farming led to a successful career in agricultural sales with various companies throughout Minnesota. Michael was united in marriage to Karen Hussong, and they were blessed with three children, Adelee, Vanessa, and Tyler. Years later, Michael met Linda Looman and they were united in marriage Nov. 19, 2004, at the courthouse in Litchfield. With this union, Michael was blessed to gain Linda’s three children into his life, Michael, Michelle, and Melissa. Family meant everything to him, and Michael was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather.

Nature brought Michael happiness. In his free time, he could be found in a boat, on a lake, and with his fishing rod in hand. Every vacation he took included fishing. It was his favorite pastime, and he loved nothing more than to teach his grandchildren how to fish. Like a true angler, Michael could tell a good story, with maybe an embellishment here or there, that was sure to bring laughter. When the fish weren’t biting, Michael enjoyed hunting, traveling, and spending time with friends. He helped where he could, never letting a problem get the best of him, and finding creative solutions when needed. Michael was a great guy with a heart of gold.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Linda Gade of Cold Spring; children Adelee (and Wade) Dixon of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Vanessa Gade of Dallas, Texas, and Tyler Gade of Heron Lake, Minn.; stepchildren Michael Quale of Eden Valley, Michelle (and Andy) Scott of St. Joseph, and Melissa (and Jason) Hadley of St. Joseph; two grandchildren Jacob (and Gracie) Dixon, and Isaac Dixon; four step-grandchildren Liam and Noah Scott, and Gracie and Ellie Hadley; and sister Sandy Weldele of Buffalo. 

Arrangements are with Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins.