Earle DeLaite Wormwood, 93, of Elk River, Minnesota, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023. He was born April 16, 1930, in Biddeford, to parents Ernest and Marcia Wormwood (nee DeLaite). The family’s vegetable gardens fed the nine siblings during the Depression era. These early-childhood experiences led to a lifelong hobby of gardening for Earle.

Earle moved with his brothers to Minneapolis in 1945. After serving in the Korean War, he worked as a painting and wallpapering contractor which was his career until retirement. His eye for color and dedication to excellent workmanship were his trademark. In 1960, he married Nadine Gertrude Ehlert. They were married for 58 years. They raised three children in Hopkins, Minnesota: Cabot (Sharon), Carmen (David) Gunderson, and Yvette Schaber.

Earle is survived by his children, and grandchildren: Zachary (Jungeun You), Melinda (Drew) Wiczek, Tracy, Abigail (José) Renteria; Ruby, Nadia (Bailey) Shrum, Shelley, Robert (Rachel) Gunderson; Ashley and Noah Schaber, and great-grandchildren: Adina, Obed, Gideon, and Ezra Wiczek; Ryan and Reigh Wormwood; Matthias Shrum.

Earle is preceded in death by his wife, siblings, and parents. A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, July 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River, 763-441-1212. Memorial gifts may be directed to The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.