Dennis Funeral Homes

ELDERT DERAAD, age 89 of Clarks Grove died on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea.

Born on March 3, 1921 in Parkersburg, Iowa he was the son of John and Nettie (Boelmann) DeRaad.  He attended school in Hollandale, MN.  Following his schooling, Eldert served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until his honorable discharge in 1946.  Eldert married Avis Marie Larson on January 10, 1944.  He worked for John Ravenhorst Tile Co., MN State Highway Department and had also owned DeRaad Service Station with his brother, Nanko.  Eldert retired from the Rural Electric Association in 1983.  He enjoyed gardening and doing yard work as well as spending time with his family.  He was a member of 1^st Baptist Church in Clarks Grove where he served as a church deacon and taught Sunday School.  He also served on the township board.

He is survived by his wife, Avis of Clarks Grove; children, Karen Nielsen of Clarks Grove, Dale and Cindy DeRaad of Waseca, Max and Sharon DeRaad of Wyoming, Lori and Terry Fuller of Waseca, Keith and Cyndy DeRaad of Bloomington, Mary Ortiz of Albert Lea; daughter-in-law, Kathleen DeRaad of Rochester; 11 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.  He is also survived by one sister, Dena Citurs of Albert Lea and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-Dennis, son-in-law Paul Nielsen, granddaughters-Melissa and Sara DeRaad, sisters-Etta Arends, Ella Arends, and Minni Molle, and brothers-Earl, Jack, Nanko, and Jerry.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 4:00 PM at 1^st Baptist Church in Clarks Grove with Pastor Jamie Cameron officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.   Burial will be in Clarks Grove Cemetery.