Gerald Wibbels, age 83 of Bejou, MN, died Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, MN.

Gerald was born February 14, 1927 at home on the farm in Bejou, MN, to Garret and Nellie (DeVries) Wibbels. He attended country school and helped out on the farm. In 1951, Gerald was drafted into the United States Army and served until 1953. Following an honorable discharge, he worked on the farm and drove gravel truck for Burt Ness. On January 18, 1957 Gerald was united in marriage to Margaret Hiemstra in Hancock, MN. The couple made their home on the farm near Bejou, where they farmed and raised their family. Over the years, Margaret and Gerald farmed small grains and milked dairy cows, retiring in 1988. After his retirement from the farming industry, Gerald began working as a janitor in the Mahnomen Public School system and also mowing lawns in the afternoons. He worked at the school for several years and continued to mow lawns as long as his health allowed. He spent countless hours on his Dixon mower. This past December, Gerald and Margaret moved in with their daughter and son-in-law, Nelva and Bruce, in Pelican Rapids, MN.

In his younger years, Gerald enjoyed the thrill and speed of motorcycles and as he aged his love turned to cruising in his golf cart, often with his dog, Breanna. He was proud of his grandchildren; however, his pride and joy seemed to be his house dogs. Gerald liked visiting with friends and family and sharing stories of his time spent in the service.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret; two sons, Llewellyn (Danielle) Wibbels, Roseau, MN, and Brian (Teresa) Wibbels, East Grand Forks, MN; two daughters, Nelva (Bruce) Duckwitz, Pelican Rapids, MN, and Wendy (Titus) Glass, Clearbrook, MN; 10 grandchildren: Justin Duckwitz, Casey Duckwitz, Bridget Duckwitz, Erin Wibbels, Amber Wibbels, Shay Wibbels, Darian Wibbels, Chantel Wibbels, Tanner Keitzman and Logan Keitzman; four great-grandchildren: Isabel Duckwitz, Halle Duckwitz, Atley Duckwitz and Kali Wibbels; two brothers, Chester (Sharon) Wibbels, Mesa, AZ, and Floyd (Lois) Wibbels, Bejou; one sister, Irene (Alfred) Korfe, Bertha, MN; aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, cousin, aunt and uncles.

Funeral services were held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 11 am at Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen with Pastor Brent Lindsay officiating and providing special music. Visitation was held also at the funeral home on Friday, February 19, 2010 from 5-7 pm with a 7 pm prayer service, the officiant was Pastor Nathan Baker-Trinity. Pallbearers were Gerald's grandsons and Honorary Pallbearers were Gerald's granddaughters.

Military Honors were provided by Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31.

Interment was at Riverside Park Memorial Cemetery, Mahnomen.