Elroy A. Gaedy

Elroy A. Gaedy, age 90, of Witoka, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN, surrounded by his family.

Elroy was born on March 21, 1935, in Winona, to Ewald and Adelia (Jeske) Gaedy, and was raised and worked on the family farm in Ridgeway, MN. He attended Ridgeway Country School and was a graduate of Winona High School in 1951. He was also actively involved in 4H and FFA, proudly showing registered Brown Swiss cattle from the family’s herd at local and state fairs, including the Minnesota State Fair. He liked music and played the accordion in his younger years for several bands and events in the area including the Winona County Old Settlers. He honorably served his country in the Minnesota National Guard.

He was united in marriage with Barbara Cordes on April 4, 1959, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Hart, MN.

Elroy worked in the construction industry, beginning with Quality Sheetmetal in Winona. He later served as a foreman with Utility Sales and Engineering and Himec in Rochester. He was a proud member of Local #10 of the Sheetmetal Workers Union and retired in 1997. While in Rochester, Elroy was an active member of Resurrection Ev. Lutheran Church. He enjoyed building and was proud to be part of the design and construction of their new church building. He also built several buildings on his Witoka farm, along with a house addition in Rochester. After retirement, Elroy built a new house on the farm in Witoka. He and Barb moved there from Rochester in 2004. After relocating to the farm, Elroy actively farmed alongside his sons and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, where he was baptized and confirmed.

Elroy is lovingly survived by his wife, Barbara; children: Steve (Kathie) Gaedy Hummelstown, PA; Bryan (Beth) Gaedy, Winona, MN; and Merle (Heidi) Gaedy, Roseville, MN; grandchildren: Daniel Gaedy, Madie Gaedy, and Theo Gaedy; sister, Elverna (Don) Matthees; sisters-in-law: Ruth Gaedy and Ruth Cordes; brother-in-law: Steve Flad; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Willard Gaedy and Howard Gaedy; sister, Mary Flad; mother-and father-in-law: Albert and Annie Cordes; brothers-in-law: Hubert Cordes and Albert Cordes, Jr.; and a sister-in-law: Evelyn Thorud.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5 PM until 7 PM, where a closing devotion will be held at 7 PM. Visitation will also be held at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM. Pastor Jason Threlkeld will officiate. Burial will follow at the Bush Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Ray Burns, Bob Flad, Ben Gaedy, Jeff Gaedy, Paul Matthees, and Mike Raleigh. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

The family would especially like to thank the nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital (Mary Brigh 8G), Aveanna, and the caretakers from Home Instead for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be directed to Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ridgeway.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Elroy’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.