Lt Col (Retired) Darold Lyder Guttormson
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On January 25, 2020 @ 4:53 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 9 Comments
Lt. Col (Retired) Darold Lyder Guttormson, age 87, took his final flight on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Darold was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Gunval and Ruth (Larson), and his older (infant) brother, Wayne Alton.
The second of three sons, Darold was born on February 15, 1932, on a farm in Blue Earth, MN. After his family moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, he quickly adjusted to city life. He traveled all over town by streetcar and soon learned the value of hard work by delivering newspapers. His family eventually moved to rural Windom, MN. Darold graduated from Windom High School in 1950 where he played football and basketball.
Darold was a lifelong student. He attended Augustana College, earning a degree in Mathematics and Physics. Darold then graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In his later years, Darold completed his MBA degree at St Thomas University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. From 1954-1974, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corp as a fighter pilot. While in the Vietnam War, he took part in the Tet Offensive and also earned a Distinguished Flying Cross. After retiring from military service, he worked for Rosemount Engineering and then for Northwest Airlines in their pilot training facility. Darold finished his career with Repairtech International as a sales representative.
Darold was, above all else, a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He married Lorraine Mavis Hobart on December 22, 1956, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Dovray, MN. They were blessed with three children, Nancy, Karen, and Paul. Darold was especially proud of his grandchildren, Nick, Alyssa, Siena, Anya, and Caden, and his great grandchildren, Isaac and Abigail.
Darold loved being active and enjoyed playing tennis, riding his bike, and downhill skiing. He was even a champion hand ball player at one time! Darold ran several marathons and continued running in his later years, averaging around five miles a day.
Darold was fun-loving, kind, and adventurous. He was a man of great faith who was dedicated to his country. Darold will remain in the hearts of those who loved him the most: his wife of 63 years, Lorraine; his children, Nancy Guttormson and James Andrisevic, Karen Johnson, Paul and Tamara Guttormson; his grandchildren, Nick and Emily Andrisevic, Alyssa Johnson, Siena, Anya, and Caden Guttormson; his great grandchildren, Isaac and Abigail Andrisevic; and brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Jeanette Guttormson, along with many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 11 AM, with a visitation starting at 9:30 AM at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake. Pastor Dan Poffenberger will preside. Darold’s pallbearers will be his grandsons, Nick Andrisevic and Caden Guttormson, and his nephews Scott Guttormson, Brett Guttormson, Brian Bassing, Jacob Lohnes, and Mike Haugen. He will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, February 3, at 10 AM, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
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To the Guttormson family,
I had the privilege of getting to know your husband, father and grandfather through a small group working with military members and veterans at church. Darold always had an infectious smile and laugh. He and I had a spiritual connection, as I am also a military aviator, an Augie alum and work in the aviation industry. I thoroughly enjoyed his stories, conversation and occasional good-natured ribbing. There was a sense of strength and kindness that ran deep within Darold and I am blessed to have known him and shared God’s love alongside Darold. May the entire family feel God’s presence as you share laughs and tears together as you remember. Regretfully, I cannot attend either the service or the interment as I am travelling for work. Fly west in eternal peace, Lt Col Guttormson!
So sorry to hear of Darold’s passing. I never knew him but his obituary indicates he was an amazing man with
great intellect and bravery. I know of him only because I purchased their townhome in Prior Lake a few years
ago. They put their all into this home and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in their beautiful home. My sincere
condolences to the entire family.
Thank you Arlene.
They did love their home. I’m glad you can enjoy it now.
Nancy Guttormson
Dearest Lorraine and Family,
As one of your previous pastors, I came to know Darold very well; reading his obituary was rather like walking down memory lane for me, after hearing him tell his stories to me over the years; keep walking down that memory lane with Darold, trusting that the Jesus that carried him through life and THROUGH DEATH, will carry you in the grieving days ahead. My prayers are lifted especially for you at this sorrowful time. Peace in Christ.
Dear Dr Nancy Guttormson,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family for comfort, strength and peace during this tender time. Your dad sounded like a wonderful man.
With sympathy, love and prayers,
Sheryl Buss (one of your grateful and cancer free patients.)
I knew Darold in Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1968. He was a Major and a pilot in A-4’s. I was introduced to him by my boss, Major Rich Risner who flew with Darold as an observer. In later years I communicated with him after writing my book, “Civic Action” about my experiences with the MAG-12 Civic Action Team. Darold sent me copies of a picture taken of him and Rich Risner in front of Darold’s aircraft and I sent him a copy of my book. He was an outstanding Marine Officer, aviator and mentor to many of us enlisted Marines who worked on aircraft during the Vietnam War. I’m sure Darold and Rich are rehashing their times together in Vietnam. Welcome home Darold, RIP and Semper Fidelis my brother Marine. Gene Hays, MSgt, USMC Retired, Oxford, MS.
I just now realized that Darold and Rich had a connection through Augustana College. That explains their closeness to me.
Hi Gene,
Thank you for your message about my dad. I don’t know if this email will get to you, but I wanted to acknowledge your post. I will certainly look up your book.
Best Regards,
Karen
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Dear Nancy and Family,
Dan and I are keeping you in our prayers. Your father sounds like he was an amazing person, and I’m sure he will be missed. Our sincere condolences to your entire family.