Donald Lee Gerlitz

Donald's Funeral Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/838398349?share=copy

Donald Lee Gerlitz entered into the busy home of Waldo and Shirley Gerlitz on February 28, 1952, as the fourth of five children. He was born and raised in Fargo, ND, where he attended school through 12th grade. After graduation from Fargo North High School, he traveled west to Portland, Oregon, to study at Multnomah School of the Bible (Multnoma University) for two years.

Some of Don's hobbies were skiing with friends, kayaking, sharing his faith, and he loved to sing. Don had a strong bass voice and joined a singing group that sang in the Portland area.

During his youth, he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in North Fargo, then in adulthood, he became a long-time member of Salem Evangelical Free Church in South Fargo and Moorhead.

After returning to Fargo from Portland, Oregon, he worked for Hanson Brothers Construction, D&M Doors, and for about three years, for Great Plains Software, which later was bought out by Microsoft.

When his father passed away, Don moved back into his parents' home on Plumtree Road, where he had lived throughout his high school years. He did so in order to take care of his beloved mother for the next 20 years.

During this time, he had diabetes and developed a serious heart condition, had heart bypass surgery, and had a pacemaker implanted. He survived the surgery and implants, and they helped to prolong his life, blessing those he knew with his kindness and generosity.

Don's life here on earth ended (cause unknown) at the home he shared with his mother, when the Lord called him suddenly into His presence. He entered his Heavenly, eternal home late Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Waldo Gerlitz; sister, Sandra Schulz; aunt, Muriel Johnsrud; uncle, Duane Olson; grandparents, Myrel & Elva Olson, Gustav & Ottilie Gerlitz

Don never married but is survived by his siblings: Wayne (Shelley) Gerlitz, Fargo, ND; Bruce (Anita) Gerlitz, Fargo, ND; and James (Julie) Gerlitz, Inver Grove Heights, MN; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children, scattered all across the USA.

The funeral service is Friday, June 23, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.