Theodore Vernon Gydal

T. Vernon GydalHOUSTON, MINN. - Theodore Vernon Gydal, 89, of Houston died Saturday, November 13, 2004, at Lake Winona Manor in Winona, Minn. Vern was born on November 24, 1914, in Houston, Minn. to Theodore and Nora (Sanders) Gydal. He lived on his folks farm in Looney Valley until age 24. He moved to California where he worked on bridges and was a truck driver. Vern was a Harley Cycle Rider for about 62 years traveling in 49 states, and if there had been a road to Hawaii he would have traveled there too. He had many friends across the states and a smile for all the people he talked to in his travels. Vern made book cases, and built a cabin from the materials from his roller skating business he used to own and operate. He would challenge any opportunity that would come his way. He loved to grow flowers and had gardens in California and Arizona. He had a room full of all of his cycle trophies and pins, and toy cycles from all of his friends and family members over the years. Vern is survived by his wife of 20 years, Gertrude; four step children: David Senters, Ronald Senters, Lolah Pease and Beth Fischer and their families all of Flint, Michigan; Two nieces: Mary Botcher and Amy Evans; two nephews: Ron Dybing and Ralph Dybing; ten nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by three sisters: Lola Gydal, Grace Carlson and Addie Dybing; one niece and one great-nephew. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel with the Rev. Lane Zaffke officiating. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Houston, Minn. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Vernon's Religion: In God's open roads, Down the by-ways of life, Where he met many many people, From all walks of life, On his 63 years of motorcycling, Still has never had an enemy.