Gerald R Roach

Gerald R. "Buddy" Roach, 82, Bismarck, died June 19, 2014, at St. Vincent's Care Center, Bismarck. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, June 24, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck, with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Richter officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 pm Monday, June 23, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Gerald was born on September 14, 1931, to Daniel E. Roach and Leona Oestreicher Roach in rural Lisbon, ND. He began his education at Ransom Country School, eventually graduating from Fort Ransom High School. Following high school, he entered the Air Force in January of 1951. During his four years of service, Gerald was stationed at Lackland AFB, Biloxi, MS, and Chicago, IL, where he received training and graduated as an x-ray technician. While assigned to Cheyenne, WY, he decided to volunteer for overseas duty. He served in Okinawa for two years as a medic and did morning reports due to his excellent typing skills. Following his discharge, Gerald returned home to help on the family farm near Lisbon. After working on the family farm and then for the Soo Line Railroad for a short time, Gerald found his true calling as a truck driver. Throughout his 28 year career, Gerald drove for Northern Tank Oil, Garrett Freightlines, ANR and Consolidated Freightways. During those years, he met Sharon Mae Michael, the love of his life in Laurel, MT. They married on October 25, 1958, at St. Anthony's Church. They raised five sons, Mark, Timothy, Kent, Darrin, and Daniel. When he was transferred for work, he and Sharon moved the family to Valley City, ND, in 1969, and later to Bismarck in 1975 where he resided until his death. Gerald retired from trucking in 1993. He was an active member of Cathedral parish in Bismarck. Proud of his Irish heritage, he wore "the green'" on St. Paddy's Day. Lovingly called Papa, his favorite times were with his family. Known for his dependability and strong work ethic, Gerald kept a very attractive yard and maintained flower beds around the family home. Gerald entered Sanford Health St. Vincent's Continuing Care Center in 2013, where his wife, Sharon, also resides. Gerald is survived by his wife, Sharon; four sons, Timothy, Billings, MT, Kent Bonnie, Bismarck, Darrin Andrea, Fargo, Daniel Judy, Moorhead, MN; his grandchildren, Shanley, Gabriel, Kendra, Shayna, and Ashland Roach, along with his step-granddaughter, Lindsey Lippert; and his brother, James Roach. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark; brother, David; sister, Dolores Ronning; and two grandchildren Keegan and Garrett Roach. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice or the Roger Maris Cancer Center.

Gerald R Roach

September 14, 1931 - June 19, 2014