Family, friends celebrate with longtime NR store owner

A 90th birthday party for esteemed New Richland resident Edna Erdmann was held Saturday, November 2, at her store, Gambles Do It Best in New Richland. Above, Edna’s pictured with family members, front from left: Anna Erdman, Michelle Padden, and Elayne Lampe. Back: Kim Erdmann, Daryl Erdmann, Jen Erdman, Galen Erdman, Edna Erdmann, Adam Seales, Marissa Erdmann, Mike Grahams, Mary Erdmann, Shawn Padden and Erin Lampe. Below, employees Marilyn Meyer, Belinda Gold and Norm Eckart pose for a photo with Edna, who bought the local hardware store with her late husband, Vince, in 1954 — 59 years ago. Meyer has been an employee at the store for 49 years. Gold has worked there approximately 35 years. The store has been for sale for some time but there haven’t been any buyers, so Edna and her employees continue to operate it. (Star Eagle photos by Jim Lutgens)