Gerald Mendenhall

Funeral Service: Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth with full military honors.

Gerald W. Jerry Mendenhall, age 77, of Forsyth, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT.

Gerald was born January 21, 1932 the son of Charles and Pearl (Courtenay) Mendenhall in Miles City, MT. He grew up and attended school in Miles City. Gerald worked as a meat cutter from 1949 to 1950. Following, he entered the United States Army in 1950 at Fort Benton, GA. He enlisted with Service Co. 136, Regiment 47th Infantry Division in Camp Rucker, AL. He was honorable discharged as a Sergeant in 1953.He was united in marriage to Lillian Ann Holmes in 1952 in Miles City. To this union six children were born. During this time, Gerald drove truck for Snow Boy Co. out of Miles City. He later worked for Bridge Construction as a carpenter. Gerald worked at the Power Plants in Colstrip on units 1,2,3 and 4, and retired in 1986. Years later, he married Doris Ann Kraus and to this union two children were born. They later divorced. Gerald enjoyed playing cards, watching his favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys, gardening and carpentry. He was also a member of the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Carl, Dave, Russell, Wentsel, Bill and Ken; and four sisters, Judy, Carla, Gladys and Irene.

He is survived by his children; Jerry Mendenhall of Lake Butler, FL., David (Darla) Mendenhall of Seffner, FL., Debbie (Burton) Newman of Forsyth, MT., Brenda (Ron) Arneson of Billings, MT., Marty Mendenhall of Forsyth, MT., Theresa Mendenhall of Modesto, CA., Jim Mendenhall of Forsyth, MT., and Kristi Mendenhall of Miles City, MT; his nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Tracy, Jeniffer, Willy, KathyAnn, Heather, Lisa and Misty; and his nine great grandchildren, Buck, Asa, Joe and Alex. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Edna Mendenhall of Miles City and Lottie Mendenhall of Germany; brother-in-law, Hugh Neuman of Miles City and numerous nieces and nephews.