Click Here to View the Service for Gerald

Family, and friends,

Gerald Verhulst, 90, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025.

Memorial services for Gerald will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Reeder, ND, with Deb Molbert officiating.

He was born on April 5, 1934, in Buffalo, South Dakota. He was the second of 3 boys born to Edward and Lila Verhulst.  He grew up on the family farm in Ralph, South Dakota. That upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility, hard work, and resilience—qualities that he carried with him throughout his life.

He built his career operating heavy equipment, working first with Wagner Construction and later with Knife River Coal Mine. His hands shaped the land, built roads, and moved mountains, both literally and figuratively.  He was hardworking and his work ethic was unmatched.  Many of his jobs took him away from his family for the week where he slept in his work truck only returning to his family for the weekends.

He and his wife, Judy, began their family in Baker, Montana, before settling in Reeder, North Dakota, a town that would become not just his home but a part of who he was. Even in retirement, his strong work ethic never wavered.  He worked for the City of Reeder, maintaining the town's infrastructure. Gerald dedicated himself to the well-being of Reeder, ensuring the streets were plowed in the winter and the grass was neatly trimmed in the summer. He took great pride in his work, and his commitment to the town and its people was unwavering. He didn't just live in Reeder—he cared for it, nurtured it, and loved it.

Beyond his work and family, Gerald was also a novice artist. He spent countless hours in his basement creating unique pieces of art from found objects, pouring his creativity and craftsmanship into every project. His art was more than just a hobby—it was an extension of his resourcefulness and imagination. He proudly displayed his work in his store, where he also spent many hours visiting with friends and family, sharing stories, laughter, and companionship.  His love of art and inventive imagination has been passed down to many of his grandchildren leaving his family feeling blessed to be able to continue to enjoy his artistic talents for years to come.

Later in life, Gerald and Judy moved to Hettinger, North Dakota, where they were blessed to live next door to their granddaughter Tina and her family, a source of immense joy and cherished memories.

Gerald was a man of strong principles. He was loving, but he could also be a tough taskmaster, expecting the best from those around him. But behind that firmness was a deep love for his family. His wife, Judy, his children—Joy, Ed, Tim, and Ann—and his many grandchildren were his pride and joy. He showed his love through the work of his hands, the sacrifices he made, and the values he instilled in his family.  He found joy in hard work, simple pleasures, and the company of those he loved.

His final days were spent at Western Horizons Care Facility, where he was cared for with kindness and compassion—a gesture for which his family will be forever grateful.

Today, as we say goodbye to Gerald, let us remember the strength of his character, his unwavering work ethic, and the love he had for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the town he cared for, in the family he raised, and in the memories we all share.  Though our hearts are heavy with grief, they are also full of gratitude for the time we had with him, the lessons he taught us, and the love he shared with all of us.

Gerald, your work here is done, but your spirit remains in the streets you cleared, the fields you tended, the art you created, and the hearts of all who knew you. Rest in peace.

He leaves behind his wife, Judy; his children, Joy, Ed, Tim, and Ann; many grandchildren; and countless memories that will be treasured forever.