Earl Nicholas Gelarden, 96 of Dale, passed away on Wednesday, September 11th at Scenic Hills Care Center in Ferdinand. Earl was born July 23, 1923 in Perry County to Elmer and Nora (Goffinet) Gelarden. He married Geneva C. Dupont on July 1, 1950 in New Boston Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on November 2, 2015. Earl was a farmer and a retired coal miner from Mulzers. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Nicholas Church. He was a past member Tell City American Legion Post 213 and Tell City Knights of Columbus. Earl enjoyed bowling, hunting, horseshoes and gardening. He especially enjoyed spending the winter months in Sebring, FL. Earl is survived by three sons, Mark (Dorothy Ann) Gelarden, Daniel Gelarden and James (Jennifer) Gelarden all of Evanston; daughter-in law, Pearl Gelarden of Fulda; two brothers, his twin, Merl Gelarden of Tell City and Ernest (Beverly) Gelarden of Michigan; nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva; son, Michael Gelarden and a daughter, Madonna Kay Gelarden. Funeral services will be Monday, September 16th at 10:00 AM CT in St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Santa Claus with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Ferdinand American Legion Post 124 will provide military graveside rights. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-7:00 CT at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand and also on Monday from 7-9:30 AM CT at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com
