Gerald E. Lorton

Gerald E. Lorton, age 72 of Park River, ND passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Gerald Edward Lorton was born October 15, 1942 in Celina, OH the son of the late Felix and Elaine (Link) Lorton. In August of 1961 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Newfoundland, Guam, Grand Forks Air Force Base and Clinton Sherman AFB, OK where he was discharged in March of 1969. On April 10, 1965 he was united in marriage to Yvonne Peterson at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in April. Together they raised two children, Kim and Michael. Gerald worked for the Farmers Union Elevator for 21.5 years, St. Thomas Grain and Nash Grain and Trading Co. He also worked as the janitor at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Gerald was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, the Park River Volunteer Fire Department, Park River Jaycee's and the Paul Farup American Legion Post. He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne; children: Kim (Scott) Helt, Rochester, MN and Michael (Deena) Lorton, Park River, ND; three granddaughters that he loved with all his heart, Stephanie and Katie Helt and Meghan Lorton. He is also survived by his siblings: Kenneth (Linda) Lorton, Burkettsville, OH; Victoria (Robert) Reichard, Union City, IN; Shirley Ellenwood, Coldwater, OH. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, ND in the spring. Military rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.