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Gerald "Jerry" Arlen Ehlers, 75, of Hettinger, ND, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at West River Health Services in Hettinger.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Centennial Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Homes in Hettinger, ND.

Private Family services for Jerry will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Hettinger Lutheran Church with Pastor Selvaraj Periannan officiating. The service will be lived streamed and available for viewing on his obituary page at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com

Jerry's ashes will be buried on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hettinger Cemetery.  This service is open to the pubic.

Gerald "Jerry" Arlen Ehlers was born January 7, 1946, in Hettinger, ND, the youngest of three children born to George and Mathilde (Kvanvig) Ehlers. He grew up on the family farm north of Hettinger, ND, and attended Duck Creek Rural School until 8 ^th grade. He then transferred to Hettinger High School where he graduated in 1963. From a young age, Jerry loved animals and could be found helping his dad with the hogs and cattle. He was active in the Hettinger Livewires 4-H Club and there he further developed his interest in sheep. His primary activity during his high school years was that of FFA leadership, showmanship and judging where he received many awards at both district and state conventions. In 1963 he was awarded the state FFA Farmer Degree. After high school he joined his father's farming and ranching operation.

On February 23, 1974, Jerry married Karan Evanger. They were blessed with two children, Brad and Tanya. Jerry's greatest interest was in raising purebred Columbia sheep; participating in many state and national ram shows and sales over a period of 25 years, accumulating a multitude of awards. In December of 1982 he was awarded the ND Lamb and Wool Producers Assoc. Master Purebred Sheep Producer, a prestigious award of which he was immensely proud. In the mid-80's, Jerry started transitioning away from sheep to raise cattle and carried on the farming operation began by his grandfather and father. He worked on the farm with his son, and in later years his grandson, until his death.

Jerry enjoyed flying beginning in 1966 and lasting until 1975. His favorite plane was his Piper Super Cub, but he also liked his Aeronca Champion and Cessna 150. He and his grandson would talk for hours about his flying adventures and sparked an interest in Devon. Jerry's love of animals could also be seen with his many pets he owned over the years. His current best friends were Buster and Sparky "Sparkles". The outside dogs were slowly being converted to inside dogs under Jerry's guidance. Country was his favorite genre of music, which he would 'blare' while driving, be it in the car, truck or tractor.

Family was all important to Jerry. He looked forward to meals, gatherings or any other activity involving his children and grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit and always engaging in shenanigans. He never offended or criticized anyone and will be remembered for his huge caring heart.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 47 years Karan; their son Brad (Kathy Lee) Ehlers of Hettinger; their daughter Tanya Helfrich of Papillion, NE; grandchildren Alexis Ehlers of Bismarck, ND and Devon Ehlers of Hettinger; one sister Bev Blackwell of Rapid City, SD and one brother Ron (Sue) Ehlers of Wright, WY; one aunt Julie Kvanvig of Halstad, MN; nephews and nieces Todd Jackson, Tracy Jackson, Brent Ehlers and Shantel Moore, along with several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mathilde Ehlers; brother-in-law Ronald "Ronnie" Blackwell; niece Tamara "Tammy" Jackson and several cousins.