Orville Gard

Orville Dale Gard, 97, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

He was born April 9, 1921, to Wesley and Ella (Osborn) Gard in Sargent, Nebraska, in a sod house. The family moved and he attended school in Cass and Audubon Counties. During the war time, his parents requested he stay home to help with the family farm. Orville farmed southeast of Atlantic for over 45 years. In addition to farming, Orville also worked for the elementary schools in Ames for 21 years as a school engineer, as he was licensed for boilers, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, electricity and pumps. He was a member of the National Association of Power Engineers.

On October 18, 1953, Orville was united in marriage to Cora Grace Mortensen and they were blessed with their son, Douglas. When Orville retired from farming he moved into the home he built near Atlantic in 1986.

Orville loved the country, working the land, and harvesting the crops. He enjoyed vacationing so he could see nature, the land, plants, birds, rocks, and animals. He would wake early so he could see the deer, buffalo, antelopes and other wildlife in the early morning. Orville enjoyed traveling and was able to visit 45 of the states, Canada, Mexico, seen both oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the boardwalk at Pensacola, Florida. In his free time he also loved to read and watch westerns on television.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Ella Gard; his brothers, Wesley, Wilbur, Lyle and Harry; his sisters, Laura Sturzenegger, Hazel Gnad, Bernice Harmsen, Nodell Johnson and twin sisters, Ella and Alma Gard.

Orville is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Grace; his son, Douglas (Lisa) Gard; his grandsons, James (Sheila) Gard and Kyle Gard (Chelsea Wehr); his great-grandchildren, Aubreigh Russi, Ashley Gard, Sienna Russi, Rylan Gard and Ryker Gard; other relatives and many friends.

Visitation with family will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2018, also at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, with burial in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.