Gerald Erwin Van De Venter

Gerald Erwin Van De Venter, age 91 of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2014 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids surrounded by his loved ones. Gerald was born on February 20, 1923 near Osage, MN to Carl and Cora (Easton) Van De Venter. As a small boy he moved with his parents to a farm just west of Park Rapids. In fact, he has lived in the same house on that farm for the past 88 years. Gerald attended public school in Park Rapids, graduating from the Park Rapids High School with the Class of 1942. As a young man, Gerald engaged in dairy farming with his father. On September 26, 1944, Gerald was united in marriage to Ruth Kimball in Park Rapids. His dad passed away in 1957 and Gerald took over the operation of the dairy farm. He worked hard in building up a productive herd of Jersey dairy cattle and raising the crops needed to feed his livestock. He also maintained a herd of high quality sows and fed out over 200 finished hogs annually. He was also very active in his community. He served as the treasurer of the Todd Township board from 1958 to 1991. He served as a Director for the Itasca-Mantrap Electrical Cooperative Board from 1971 to 2001. Gerald sold his dairy cows in 1985, but continued to farm until his retirement in 1990. In 1971, Gerald received the "Outstanding Dairyman of Hubbard County" award. Gerald enjoyed square dancing and along with his wife, Ruth started the Friendly Squares Square Dancing Club in Park Rapids in 1957. He and Ruth loved to dance together and continued actively square dancing until 2013. He received the "Young At Heart Award" at the State Square Dancing Convention in 2012. He also enjoyed fishing, blueberry picking, and playing cards-- he continued playing cards right up until several days before his death, when in spite of not feeling well, he still won both games. Gerald was also gifted with his hands and could somehow repair or build most anything. He and Ruth enjoyed hosting the annual 4th of July picnic for their neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed attending neighborhood birthday parties. He was a long time and faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he has served on many boards and committees. The family wishes to thank the St. Joseph's Area Hospice and the staff at the Heritage Living Center for their wonderful care of Gerald. Gerald is survived by his precious wife for the past 69 years, Ruth; his four children: Norene Houser and fiancé, Mickey Klasen of Champlin, MN, Karen Van De Venter of Park Rapids, Gordy (Deb) Van De Venter of Oakes, ND and Fred (Elaine) Van De Venter of Elk River, MN; his eight dearly loved grandchildren: Cathy (Duane) Hall of New Germany, MN, Jason (Heidi) Houser of Mpls., Sarah Van De Venter of Grand Forks, ND, Holly (Brian) Connolly of Rosemount, MN, Kallie Van De Venter of Fargo, ND, Justin Van De Venter of Elk River, MN, Katrina Van De Venter of Elk River and Sabrina (Andy) Miller of Becker, MN; and two great grandchildren: Mitchell and Brittney. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Melba and son-in-law, Joseph Houser. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, April 24, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Reverend James Neubauer and Reverend Timothy Heinecke officiating. The organist will be Sarah Kaufenburg. Casket bearers will be: Lyle Luther, Henry Luther, Brian Luther, Justin Van De Venter, Jason Houser and Arvin Packer. The honorary casket bearers will be the members of the Friendly Squares Square Dancing Club. The interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Wednesday, April 23rd at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.