Gertrude C. Barstead

Gertrude C Barstead (Swenson), 89, of Garretson SD passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2008 at Palisade Manor. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 7, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gert was born December 8, 1918 at her grandparents, John and Alice Crowson's, home in Garretson. Her father was away in the army for WWI. Her parents Roy and Charlotte Swenson (Crowson) built their home on the Swenson homestead. Growing up on the farm, she attended Pleasant View country school. She attended the Swedona Covenant Country Church where she was baptized and confirmed. Also sang solos and other musical groups.


She was a good helper to her dad on the farm in her growing up years. Gert learned to be a milkmaid at 5 years old. She helped her dad with everything he did including driving horses that pulled a two section drag that later was replaced by a F-12 Farmall.


On February 23, 1940 she married Kenneth Barstead of Woonsocket and started working with him in his small garage. In 1946 they built the larger garage where she was a bookkeeper and had many other duties.


Two daughters, Linda and Laurel were born to them. While raising her family she also enjoyed being a Sunday and Bible school teacher. She loved to sing and play her organ and guitar. Gardening and raising beautiful flowers filled her summer days.


She was a member of the Zion Lutheran church and the Garretson Historical Society. She was a helper for both when they celebrated their 100th anniversaries. While at the church, she was a member of a trio ladies chorus.


Later in life, she enjoyed shooting pool and playing cards with her many friends at the Senior Center in Garretson. When her husband became ill, she cared for him daily at her home and Palisade Manor.


She is survived by her sister, Gwenolyn Nordstrom (Swenson) and family in Sioux Falls; son-in-law, William Eide Sr. and family in Mandan, ND; grandchildren, John Soderlund, Julie Dunkle (Soderlund), and Jill Soderlund from the Twin Cities, MN; great grandchildren, Chandler and Tyler Soderlund, and Evan and Lily Dunkle; nieces and nephews and many dear friends.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Charlotte Swenson (Crowson); husband of 59 years, Kenneth Barstead; her two daughters, Laurel Soderlund in 2002 and Linda Eide in 2005; son-in-law Ronald Soderlund in 1999 and grandchild by marriage Greg Dunkle in 2007.