GERALD R. BARENDT

Gerald R. Barendt, a lifelong resident of the Webster, ND area passed away at his home early Sunday morning, February 3, 2013. He was 82 years old. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Fr. Prasad Marneni celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Graveside Services will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, rural Webster on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Serving as Casket Bearers will be James Mikkelsen, Matthew Barendt, Michael Barendt, Ryan Barendt, Thomas Barendt and George Regan. Reading the Scriptures will be Sarah Gunderson and Abby Hilliard and Gift Bearers will be Taylor Hach, Rachelle Klein and Amanda Barendt. Gerald Ryan, son of Arthur E. and Mary A. (Ryan) Barendt was born on March 5, 1930 at Devils Lake, ND. He was reared and educated at Webster, graduating from Webster High School. He then attended Wahpeton State School of Science, majoring in General Mechanics. Gerald entered the United States Marine Corps on January 9, 1951. He served his country during the Korean Conflict and received several marksmanship medals. Gerald was honorably discharged at Camp Pendleton, CA with the rank of Staff Sergeant on January 8, 1954. Gerald married Virginia Hennessy in October of 1954. After his discharge, Gerald returned to the Webster area where he would live and farm the rest of his life. Gerald proudly served his country, was a true steward of the land he farmed, enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing and appreciated the beauty of nature driving around the countryside, visiting family and friends. Gerald was a life member of the VFW and the Elks Lodge. He also enjoyed membership in the Korean War Veterans Association and the 1st Marine Division Association. We have lost someone very special to us and he will be truly missed. Gerald is survived by his son, David A. Barendt of Grand Forks, ND, daughters. Kathy A. Barendt of Harrah, OK and Susan L. Hach also of Grand Forks; ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Guy L. Barendt and brother, William Barendt.