Edward “Ted” Gatfield Jr. age 71 of Redwood Falls passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home after a long battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from noon until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28^th at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls. Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery – Redwood Falls. Stephens Funeral Service -Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Edward “Ted” Gatfield Jr. was born October 8, 1952 in Detroit, MI to Edward Carl & Dixie Fay (Bell) Gatfield. He was baptized at the Church of Christ and later at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ted attended Detroit public schools. He then enlisted in the US Navy in February 1971 and served until October 1992. While in the Navy, he was stationed in California, Maine and Virginia. He enjoyed travelling the world. After retiring from the Navy, he moved to Minnesota where he met Karen Kleinwachter. They were united in marriage August 8, 1997 in Redwood Falls. Ted continued his education at Southwest State University in Marshall. Ted then worked in Federal Service in Omaha and Minneapolis until retiring in 2014. Ted loved spending time with family, especially on holidays and playing with his grandkids. He was a member of the NRA and the American Legion. Ted was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved genealogy, and enjoyed reading, woodworking and on-line puzzles and games. 

Ted is survived by his wife Karen of 26 years; children: Edward III, Hillary, Bill, Jon, & Bethany Gatfield and Nick Kleinwachter & Blaine (Jocene) Kleinwachter; grandchildren: Kyara & EJ Gatfield Geth, Maddysen & Vydia Kleinwachter and Reagan Deterling; sister Ida Gatfield (Rick Farmer) of Morton and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Tiffany and infant sister Dixie.