Godferd Gerth

Godferd Orlando Gerth was born April 25, 1920 in Green Bay, WI, the son of Rev. Gustav and Martha (Zank) Gerth. He grew up and was schooled in Baraboo, WI. Upon graduation in 1937, Godferd continued his education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Godferd interrupted his schooling to serve in the United States Army, enlisting on December 3, 1941. Accepted into the Army Air Corps, he served first as a flight instructor, then as a B-17 bomber pilot (728th Squadron, 452nd Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force), completing 28 combat missions over Europe. Godferd was discharged in November of 1945. Following his discharge, Godferd returned to Madison, completing his education with a degree in electrical engineering in 1948. A career in electrical power systems began with Otter Tail Power, in Fergus Falls, MN. While in Fergus Falls, he met Georgia Rasmussen and on October 1, 1950 the two were united in marriage. Their union was blessed with two children, Steven and Sharon. Godferd's career took the family to Chicago, Minneapolis, and Boston. In 1990, Godferd and Georgia retired to Alexandria, MN. An active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Godferd's faith was vital to him; teaching Sunday school, singing in choirs, serving in leadership capacities were ways he would contribute to his church. Godferd enjoyed a broad taste in music. Besides church singing, he was involved in university and community theater, listened to Saturday New York Metropolitan Opera broadcasts and maintained a healthy home music library and system. Godferd kept sharp doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Love of flight never left him. In the 1970's Godferd returned to the skies, flying gliders and ultimately becoming certified as a glider instructor. Godferd passed on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, aged ninety years. His parents, his brother, Orville Gerth, and sister, Lorna Schmoller, preceded him in death. Godferd is survived by his wife, Georgia Gerth, of Alexandria; his daughter, Sharon Martin, of Westborough, MA, and son, Steven Gerth and wife, Jocelyn, of Alliance, NE; eight grandchildren: Steven Terry, Michael Terry, Peter Terry, Daniel Terry, Caledonia Gerth, Hannah Gerth, Logan Gerth, and Everett Gerth, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 25, 2011, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN. Rev Michael Neumann will officiate. Sharon Heike will provide music. Interment follows at a later date at Maplewood Lutheran Church, Erhard, MN. A luncheon will be provided. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM at the church, before the service. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.