Crookston - Henry "Butch" Gebhardt, 83, died Friday, November 5, 1999 at his home in Crookston.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston with Rev. Michael Eminger officiating. Military rites were conducted by the Crookston Veterans Council. Interment was in Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home of Crookston was in charge of the arrangements.
Henry Albert Gebhardt was born on November 29, 1915 in Euclid township of Polk county near Euclid, the son of Henry George and Nettie Mary (Kosanda) Gebhardt. He attended Euclid school and grew up on the family farm.
In November of 1939, Butch enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the 105th Infantry Regiment and participated in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The Purple Heart was among the medals Butch received for service to his country. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.
On June 15, 1946, Butch was united in marriage to Mathilda "Tillie" Paulson at Thief River Falls. The couple made their home in Euclid, and Butch worked for the Crookston Milling Company. From 1951 until 1953, he was employed by the Great Northern Railroad and was based out of Euclid. In 1954, he began working for the American Crystal Sugar Company plant in Crookston and was also employed by American Crystal during the sugar beet harvesting campaigns.
In 1959, the family moved to Crookston, and Butch began working at the Grand Forks Air Force Base as a heavy equipment operator and in the maintenance department. After leaving there in 1975, he worked in the maintenance department at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls until his retirement in 1980.
Butch enjoyed his family, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening and especially making bird houses for family and friends.
He was a long-time member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Crookston VFW Post 1902. He was also a charter member of the Euclid American Legion Post and belonged to the International Veterans War Alliance.
Butch is survived by his wife, Tillie; one daughter, Ardis Mary Gebhardt of Crookston; one grandson; two brothers, Walter Gebhardt of Crookston and Fred (Henrietta) Gebhardt of Euclid; three cousins; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Adam in infancy, Lawrence and Charles Gebhardt. A00003B1999NV10