Career
Born in Rock County, Wisconsin Territory, Gaarder lived in Orfordville, Wisconsin and was a farmer. He was also president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Orfordville and of the Orfordville Telephone Company. Gaarder served as assessor and supervisor of the town.
He also served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors and was a Republican.
In 1891, Gaarder served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Gaarder died at his home in Orfordville, Wisconsin of a stroke.
