GEORGE A. LATURNUS

George A. Laturnus, 83 of Devils Lake ND passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial for George will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for George will be his nephews and grand nephews Dale Ginther, Jason Schall, Dean Laturnus, Dennis Laturnus, Tom Laturnus and Ryan Goeser. Reading the Scriptures will be Betty Bachmeier and Gift Bearers will be Rick and MaryAnn Ginther. Music will be provided by Peter A. Hager and JoDee Lagein. George one of thirteen children born to Sylvester and Gunda (Steffan) Laturnus was born on October 6th, 1927 in Scott, Saskatchewan, Canada. At the age of 10 he moved with the family to Crystal City, Manitoba and attended the Rosebud County School. On December 14th, 1945 the family moved to Starkweather, ND and began farming. George and his brother lived on the family farm for many years with their parents, learning and assisting in the farming operation. George married Betty Padden on November 7, 1970. They lived and farmed on the homeplace with his brother and sister-in-law for many years. In the fall of 2004, George retired and moved to Devils Lake where he made his home until his death. George was a life member of the Knights and Columbus and member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. As a boy, George spent his time doing farm work such as milking cows, making hay and other farm chores and eventually he made farming his trade and livelihood. But George was never too busy farming to help others in need. He was always anxious to do a kindly deed for anyone and help in any way to provide for his nieces and nephews. George was the friendly face to many at the Odd Fellows Home and the Good Samaritan Center and to all those he met on his life journey. In his younger days, George enjoyed dancing, the waltz being his favorite and in later years, the songs of his youth always brought a smile to his face and a lot of toe tapping. George leaves behind his dear brothers, sisters, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Frank and Alice Laturnus of Rolla ND, Peter and Donna Lou Laturnus of Munich ND, Martin and Helen Laturnus of Minneapolis, Edward and Bonnie Laturnus of Munich, John and Donna Mae Laturnus of Cando ND, Wendell Laturnus also of Minneapolis, Anna (Hoffart) and Philip Schiele of Devils Lake and Betty Schiele of Fargo ND; many beloved nieces, nephews and their families also survive. George was preceded in death by his parents; sister Regina Schall and brothers Paul, Fred and Joseph Laturnus.