Gerald R. Howatt

Gerald R. Howatt, age 88, of Langdon, ND passed away suddenly at his home on June 7, 2016.

Gerald Raymond Howatt was born on October 22, 1927 to William Raymond and Veda (Johnston) Howatt at their home in Maida, ND. He was the eldest of 6 children. His father passed away at an early age leaving 10-year-old Gerald to accept the responsibility of helping to provide for his family. In 1942, when Gerald was 15, they faced yet another hardship. He and his mother came home to find their home destroyed by fire. Although distraught, they rebuilt their house/farm with faith, determination, and hard work. Gerald had many responsibilities, one of these being his mother's mentor on driving skills. Apparently it was common practice for Gerald to get the car going, put it in gear, then jump out and let her go! Veda, Gerald, and his siblings were able to persevere through trying times with their deep faith in God and strong family bond.

Gerald was educated at the Maida School until the eighth grade. At that time, he left school to devote all of his time to managing the farm. He wanted to continue his education but providing for his family became his priority. In 1948 and at age18, he proudly enlisted in the Air Force. Gerald served his country for 4 years during the Korean War. It was also during this time that he earned his high school diploma. Later in life, he greatly enjoyed reminiscing and telling his family stories from his service time.

Shortly after returning home, Gerald's sister, Marlene, introduced him to Phyllis Welsh. It was clear to all that they had an instant connection! After dating for two years, they were united in marriage at the Stilwell Church on June 25, 1954. Moving 13 miles north of Langdon, they made their home and started farming. They were blessed with 4 children: Van, Ray, Lori, and Cori. This marriage was a perfect match, and Phyllis was his true love.

Gerald was a dedicated farmer. He loved to farm and did so his whole life. Church was an important aspect of his life. He regularly attended services and especially enjoyed the fellowship afterwards. Gerald had a knack with words and a wonderful laugh. He was a master at socializing. He could sit down next to anyone, and before you knew it, he was deep in conversation.

Gerald was an avid exerciser. Early in life he taught all his children to water-ski and snow ski. Until recently he was still putting in his laps at the track. He found great enjoyment cruising around town in his Mercedes, but you usually saw him in his pickup heading to the farm. The last few years, coffee time was a daily event he wouldn't miss. At 3:00 p.m. this social group could be found at Stein Auto Body. Discussions were lively as they solved the world's problems. Gerald was passionate about politics and certainly wasn't shy about sharing his views!

Family was very important to him as he thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings and his grandchildrens’ activities. He was always encouraging his grandchildren and wanted to know what they were accomplishing. (No slacking allowed!)

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survived by: Wife, Phyllis Howatt; sons: Van (Lisa), Ray (Wanda); daughters Lori (Cregg) Stein, Cori (Tim) Dvorak.

Siblings: Erle (Thelma) Howatt, Bernice (Jack) Fox, Stanley (Leona) Howatt, Marlene Landry, Margaret-Ann Downs.

Brothers- in- law: Lloyd (Shirley) Welsh, Leslie (Eileen) Welsh

Grandchildren: Leah, Nathan, & Autumn Howatt, Tahnee (Nick) Magnus, Justine Stremick, Briana (Brad) Fisk, Tiffany Stremick; Jayla (Ethen)Askvig, Jaime (Brett) Zeis; Erika & Mercedes Stein; Derrick, Jess, and David Suda, Nicholas, Samantha, and Kayla Dvorak.

Great-Grandchildren: Dyson & Terner Askvig, Beckem Zeis, Nicholas Magnus, Qwynn & Owen Kuchera.

Numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by: parents, and brothers-in-law Ronald Downs & Harry Landry

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Langdon, ND. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the church before the service on Tuesday. Interment will be at Lebanon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Langdon Area Schools, the Presbyterian radio ministry, United Methodist Church or Emmanuel Evangelical Church.

Gerald was the oldest child in our family. We were just regular kids until our father died in 1938 when Gerald was ten years old. Then everything changed. Gerald became the “the man in the family” and mom’s right hand man. However, this did not change a thing. We still snowballed one another as hard as we could, played tag and baseball in the long summer evenings. Gerald was good at everything; he even skated backwards without the slightest difficulty.

As I look back, the six of us were a tight unit. We sat in the same pew at church. We walked to school together, we ran home as fast as we could to listen to our radio programs. In winter after our chores were done, we headed down to the coulee to go sledding. In summer we played baseball with mom as referee, and the rest of the time after chores were done, we played games until we got tired. We stuck together, even our dog Laddie liked us the best. We played this game where one of us would lay on the ground crying and a cousin would be sitting on top, then Laddie would gently put his teeth in our cousin’s overalls and pull him off, but Laddie soon learned, and we couldn’t play that trick anymore.

Gerald had barely turned eighteen when he learned that he would be drafted. He decided to join the Air Force instead. Gerald had to grow up and that was the first time we were no longer this tight six-kid unit.

In our early years we formed an unusual bond between us. We are saddened that this bond has changed, but Gerald lived a wonderful and exciting 88 years with a terrific partner, Phyllis, and he would not have wanted his world any other way.

We six kids Gerald, Erle, Bernice, Pat, Marlene and Margaret Ann loved each other, and this bond can never be broken.

Lovingly written by Bernice (Howatt) Fox
(This is written by our Aunt Bernice who told us that Dad was very smart in school, but then she told us they all were! Love her and wish she could be at the service.)