Dean Gehrtz, age 82, of New Rockford, ND, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2009, at Carrington Health Center, Carrington, ND.

Dean Henry Gehrtz was born on July 17, 1927, at Drayton, ND, the son of Clarence and Gretta (Brouse) Gehrtz. He attended school in Kempton, ND and Larimore, ND. Dean married Edith Cicha in Larimore, ND, on August 30, 1949.

He worked briefly for the Great Northern Railroad Bridge Department. Dean went into the grain business, as elevator manager in Larimore, ND and Sheyenne, ND.  In 1967, Dean and Edith moved to New Rockford. He then worked for International Stanley in the grain sampling division in a four state area. In 1983, Dean and Edith owned and operated the Silvercrest Bakery in New Rockford, ND, until their retirement in 1995.

Dean loved to share his stories with anyone who was willing to listen. At the age of 75, he learned computer skills and enjoyed staying in contact with his family and friends. Fishing and hunting were also some of his favorite pastimes.

Dean is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edith and his eight children; David (Patti) Gehrtz, New Rockford, ND, Dennis (Mary) Gehrtz, New Rockford, ND, Vickie Vinnard, Devils Lake, ND, Carol (Mike) Risovi, Escondido, CA, Steven (Elaine) Gehrtz, Moorhead, MN, Shirley (Pat) Hughes, Covington, OH, Donna (Bruce) Gedrose, New Rockford, ND, and Curtis (Barb) Gehrtz, Fargo, ND; nineteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Elsie Reinhart, Grand Forks, ND.