Gordon O. Toft, 88, of Owatonna, died Friday, September 28, 2012 at Owatonna Hospital.
He was born November 14, 1923 in Ellendale, Minnesota the son of Irvin and Cora (Gunderson) Toft. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale. He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1941. After his schooling, he worked farming and was a truck driver. In 1948, he moved to Owatonna. He worked at the State Theatre in Owatonna operating the projection camera from 1950 to 1962. He then worked as the grounds maintenance supervisor at the Owatonna State School from 1961 to 1970 and the Faribault State Hospital from 1970 to 1988, when he retired.
Gordon enjoyed gardening, reading, political history and religion. He also played the accordion and harmonica. He especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends.He is survived by his two brothers, Charles Toft of Spring Valley, and Kenneth (and Evelyn) Toft of Ellendale; his sister, Phyllis Toft of Taft, CA; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Toft of Albert Lea and Shirley Toft of Prescott, AZ; nine nieces and nephews, Penny (and Garry) Nordhorn of Ellendale, Peggy (and Randy) Babbitt of Breckenridge, CO, Sarah (and Brent) Kohn of Spring Valley, Kent (and Kim) Toft of Blaine, Timothy (and Nancy) Toft of Ellendale, Robert Toft of Albert Lea, Shary (and Bryan) Olson of Winona, Allan (and Debbie) Toft of Albert Lea, and Linda (and Jeff) Battey of New Richland; and lifelong friends, the families of Eugene and Angie Fineran, Jan and Emil Blazek, and Corrine and Jim Ratzloff all of Owatonna.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Olive Toft, Carol Toft, and Grace Toft; and two brothers, James Toft and Paul Toft.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, October 1, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. and at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale on Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale with The Reverend Richard Sliper officiating. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale. Memorials are preferred to Steele County Food Shelf, Ellendale Food Shelf, or donor’s choice.