Gerald Felch

Gerald L. Felch, 77, passed away on December 4, 2008, at his home in Mandan as a result of lung cancer treatment complications. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 9, at 1:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service Chapel, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Bob Nordvall officiating. Burial will be Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at Mandan, North Dakota. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00-9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service and will continue Tuesday from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Gerald was born on April 22, 1931, in Tuttle, North Dakota, the son of Herbert and Hilda Dahlstrom Felch. He grew up and attended school in Steele. He entered the U.S. Army and served a tour in Korea where he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. After his tour in Korea, Gerald married Nancy A. Alber on July 23, 1954. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Teresa, Donald, David, James, and Douglas.Gerald worked for the North Dakota Department of Transportation in Bismarck for several years until 1959 when he began working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Kenmare, North Dakota. He retired in 1990 after 33 years of federal service. Gerald’s years spent at the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge provided many unique experiences and memories for him and his family. His family’s love of the outdoors and hunting activities is the result of the time spent with Gerald in one of the world’s biggest outdoor playgrounds. Gerald was a long-time volunteer of the Kenmare Fire Department and was elected to the position of Fire Chief in his final years of volunteer service. He was also a member of the Kenmare Diving Club. Gerald was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans. Gerald is survived by his wife, Nancy of Bismarck; his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Jerome Bauer of Bismarck; his son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Sue Felch of Bismarck; his son and daughter-in-law, David and Judy Felch of Fargo; his son and daughter-in-law, James and Rebecca Felch of Centerville, Ohio; his son and daughter-in-law Douglas and Carmen Felch of Fargo; nine grandchildren, Jesse Bauer, Cody Bauer, Eric Felch, Ryan Felch, Michael Felch, Katie Felch, James Felch, Matthew Felch, and Samuel Felch; four brothers, Lyle Felch of New Brunsfeld, Texas, Richard Felch of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Herbert Felch of Devils Lake, North Dakota, and Dallas Felch of Washburn, North Dakota; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Hilda Felch; two sisters, Delilah Felch and Esther Armstrong; two brothers, Howard Felch and Donald Felch; a special uncle, Irvin Felch; and one nephew, Keith Felch. Gerald’s hard-work ethic, integrity, patriotism, and fun-loving spirit endeared him to family and friends. He was an avid fan of North Dakota high school sports. His support, encouragement, and unconditional love will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Gerald Felch

April 22, 1931 - December 4, 2008