Jon Karl "Jack" Gyldenvand

Jack Gyldenvand, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN, after a painful struggle with an aggressive cancer. Jack had a deep faith in the Lord and is now pain free, at peace, with Jesus and reunited with his older brother, Jim, and his twin sister, Judy, “probably raising havoc in heaven” to quote his sister-in-law, Sylvia.

Jon “Jack” Gyldenvand was born in Valley City, ND, on June 8, 1947, 13 minutes after his twin sister, Judy. He always joked, “ladies first”. In 1955, Jack and his family moved to Grand Forks, ND, where Jack graduated from high school in 1965. He then attended the University of North Dakota. However, his time in college was cut short when he was drafted into the US Army during his freshman year. Jack spent a year in Vietnam, receiving numerous medals, including a bronze star.

Just before entering the army, Jack married Cheryl Christopher in Grand Forks, ND. They welcomed their son, Ryan, in 1975. Upon returning from service, Jack entered the banking business and became vice president of Olmsted Federal Savings and Loan. Later, he would begin his own business in traffic control.

In 1997, Jack married Andrea “Drea” Sharff. They spent 24 wonderful years together living first in Walker, MN, then moving to Moorhead, MN.

Jack loved music, playing the keyboards, organ, and the trombone in various bands throughout his life. Jack also loved to entertain family and friends by playing his accordion, often to their dismay. Jack also loved anything with an engine. Jack, his brother, and son, spent hours in garages and pole barns tinkering with Toyota Land Cruisers, motorcycles, and various cars over the years. When he moved to Walker, MN, he purchased a boat and spent long hours with Drea cruising on beautiful Leech Lake.

Jack was a kind, loving, and compassionate man, always reaching out to anyone in need. After retirement, he worked in a group home for mentally disabled adults. He often said that this was his most rewarding job.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Jim (Sylvia); and his twin sister, Judy (Rod).

Jack is survived by his wife, Drea; his son, Ryan (Shelley); stepsons, Jacob (Kari), Benjamin; and four grandsons.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Final resting place will be at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND, after the service.