Gerald Lechler

Gerald William Lechler, 74, of Beach, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Beach.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. today, Jan. 22, 2013, at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Beach. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. today. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Beach.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Beach with Rev. Dan Berg officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Gerald was born on April 9, 1938, the son of Frank and Olive (Kippley) Lechler in Beach. He began his education at Lapla Country School north of Beach. Gerald graduated from Beach High School with the class of 1957. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Army on Oct. 9, 1957, in Fargo, and served until he received his honorable discharge on July 15, 1959, when he returned to Beach.

Gerald met and later married Verona Wegley on Aug. 25, 1964, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Beach. To this union three children were born; Pam, Paul and Patty. Gerald loved farming and especially raising sheep. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching television. He spent a lot of time in the garage doing wood working projects, going to auctions, shopping for antiques and old cars. Gerald enjoyed spending time visiting with his coffee crew at Cenex. Most of all he loved to watch his grandchildren’s sports and activities.

Gerald was involved in many programs and received several awards throughout the years including the NDSU Farming Award, United States Army Good Conduct Medal, FFA, Knights of Columbus, Jaycee’s, the American Legion, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and the Montana Wool Growers Association.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents.

Gerald is survived by his wife Verona of Beach/Bismarck; two daughters, Pam (Dean) Mastel and their children, Becky and Katie Mastel of Bismarck and Patty (Duane) Steffes and their children, Matthew, Kayla, Eric and Mia Steffes of Bismarck; one son, Paul (Janell Dschaak) Lechler and their children, Landon and Lateasha Lechler of Beach and Jase, Trey and Cade Dschaak of Wibaux; one sister, Joanne (Glenn) McCrory of Linton, North Dakota; one brother, Larry (Eileen) Lechler of New England and numerous nieces and nephews.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.silvernale-silha

funeralhome.com.

Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Beach is entrusted with the arrangements.

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