IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Andrew Gjerde

Andrew Gjerde Comer Profile Photo

Comer

Jan 13, 1929 — Feb 1, 2022

Obituary

Andrew was born to Signe and Arthur Comer of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin on January 13, 1929. After graduating from high school in St. Croix Falls, Andy moved to Long Beach, California where he attended deep sea dive school.

Being too young for World War II, Andy felt called to service at the breakout of the Korean War and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. After returning from a tour with 5 th Marines in Korea, Andy attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and commissioned as a 2 nd Lieutenant. Andy met his future wife Adoree Knutson (of Alexandria, Minnesota) on a blind date, and the two married in 1953.

As an Infantry Officer, military orders took Andy and his family to Topeka, Kansas, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Quantico, Virginia, and lastly to Camp Pendleton, California. Andy completed two tours to Vietnam, and notably served as the Battalion Executive Officer for 3 rd Battalion, 3 rd Marines during Operation Starlite. During his military service, Andy was awarded both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Andy retired from the Marine Corps as a Major in 1970.

After retirement, Andy attended Chapman University where he earned two Master's degrees—one in Counseling and the other in History. He taught courses and provided counseling services at Mira Costa College to current and former military students. He and Adoree raised their four children in Fallbrook, California, where they resided in the same home for nearly 50 years. Andy enjoyed hunting big (and small) game, and in his later years volunteered as a range officer at Pala.

Andy passed away on February 1, 2022, just weeks after his 93 rd birthday. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years. He is survived by his four children: Nancy (Comer) Johnson, Carol (Comer) Slack, Craig Comer, and Gary Comer and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was a true patriot that will be greatly missed by his family.

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Funeral Services

Shelter Service

April
19

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

11:00 am - 11:30 pm

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