Peter Neil Midgarden was born in rural North Dakota on March 10, 1935. As a child he was a reader and adventurer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping like the heroes in his books. He played all sports in high school.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958 and became a naval aviator, flying A-7 Corsair II’s from aircraft carriers during the Vietnam conflict.
He retired with the rank of captain after serving in NATO as the liaison between U.S. and allied forces, for which he was awarded the third highest award given by the Defense Department, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
When he retired, he and his wife chose to live in Silverhill, Ala., where for the rest of his life he tended to the needs of family, church and the community. He invested in the lives of youth as a Cub Scout leader for many years.
He was a beekeeper, gardener, fruit and vegetable grower, boat builder, woodworker and baker of specialties from his Norwegian heritage.
He was a true gentleman who always spoke with kindness, humility and generosity. His greatest joy was in serving his God, his church and his family.
Pete taught Sunday school and studied the Bible before resting each night. There were only two things for which he had no patience: watching TV and eating out. He always preferred a simple meal at home.
Mr. Midgarden passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gunder and Florence Peters Midgarden; and brother, Nels Midgarden.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Aleda Avera Midgarden; son, David (Silvia) Midgarden of Guatemala City, Guatemala; daughter, Anne (Gregg Fugate) Midgarden of Wapakoneta, Ohio; brother, James (Vickie) Midgarden of Grafton, N.D.; sister, Sue (Ron) Nichols of Mandan, N.D.; and three grandchildren, Patrick, Agostina and Peter Midgarden.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Silverhill, Ala.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services in the Fellowship Hall of Zion Lutheran Church.
Interment will be held in the Silverhill Cemetery in Silverhill, Ala.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are by Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, Highway 59, Robertsdale, Ala.
