Gerhard Sorlien, age 75, of Miles City passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Holy Rosary Health Care in Miles City.
Gerhard was born on the family farm in Grand Forks County near Thompson, North Dakota on Christmas day in 1938. His Parents were Luella (Hjelmstad) and Martin Sorlien.
He attended country grade school at Union 101 for eight years, then went to Hatton High School for four years, and graduated from North Dakota School of Science in 1958 with a degree in Business Administration.
He started working for L. P. Anderson Supply Company in February 1958 as their Bookkeeper, and was still working there in 1999 as Vice-President and General Manager, at which time he retired and the company was sold to Tire-Rama.
He was an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and very active with the building and grounds committee during many changes at the church. He was an active member with the Miles City Lions Club. He was a board member and secretary of the Miles City Town and Country Club. He was a member of various bowling leagues, and a member of the Miles City Eagles Lodge #885, he was also a social director for various coffee clubs after retirement.
On December 19, 1970 he married his lovely Sharon and together they raised four wonderful daughters, Marcheta, Tracy, Roxie and Krystal. These daughters presented him with twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Sharon, and daughters Marcheta [John] Becker, Tracy [Tim] Kiel, Roxie [Pat Brady] Sorlien, Krystal [Al] Tikalsky. Grandchildren are Amber {Leif} Hauge, Ashley [Brett] Bratland, Angela {Jared} Habets, TJ [Tana] Kiel, Tara Kiel, Travis Kiel, Natasha [Isaac] Brown, Nicole Naasz, Aaron Naasz, Jill [John] Dowd, Alexandria Tikalsky, Kasey Tikalsky. Great Grandchildren are Sinae Kiel, Jack and Addison Dowd, Noah, Micah, Jonah and Grace Bratland, Ashtin, Mikkenna and Emmy Kiel, McCormick Habets, and Quinn Naasz. He is also survived by his brothers, Henning [Mavis] Sorlien of Casa Grande, Arizona, Maurice [Janet] Sorlien and Wendell [Esther] Sorlien of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Harlan Sorlien of Dilworth, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Darrell and Maynard.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 16, 2014 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Service will be Thursday, January 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 15, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City,
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday January 16, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 15, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City,
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Thursday January 16, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, MT
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Bill Gierke says
Sharon, I am sorry to hear of Gerhards passing. My father really appreciated Gerhard’s friendship over the years.
George & Maggie says
Sharon and family, we are truly sorry to hear of Gerhards passing. He will truly be missed especially at the morning coffee group.
Ashley and Brett Bratland says
Heaven gained a wonderful angel. No words can describe how much we will miss Grandpa. A huge part of who I am is because of his (and Gran’s) wonderful influence on my life. Sending extra love and prayers to you, Gran! We love you so much!
-Ash and family
Wayne and Carola Moline says
Sharon this was a shock, so sorry to hear that. Who’s going to give us a bad time now. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Good memories and comfort from family and friends, may they comfort you in this difficult time. Carola and Wayne Moline.
Gwen Wickham says
Sharon, was so sorry to read about Gerhard’s passing. I enjoyed his stories on bowling nights, I think some of them grew each week. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gwen Wickham
Arlene and JDennis Corbin says
I will miss my wonderful PRAYER PARTNER Heaven gained a great guy
Cheri Ridenour says
My heart goes out to you Sharon and your family. May God wrap you in his consoling arms as you reflect on the moments shared with a wonderful man! May those memories shared bring you a peace during this time of sadness. My prayers go out to you all!
Keith and Barb Hoover says
Our love goes out to all of the family. Keith and I send our thoughts and prayers to you all. Love you
Ken and Karen Strobel says
To the Sorlien Family, so sorry to here about the loss of Gerhard. What a wonderful, caring person he was. May all your memories fill your hearts during this time.
Angela Schock-Habets says
Heaven gained one amazing angel. Our family thanks everyone for their heart felt condolences.
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss,Our prayers are with you.
Sheila and Jerry Christopherson says
Sharon and Family, We were very sorry to hear of Gerhard’s passing. He was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Joe, Kayla, and Jerred Kiel says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We love you all very much.
Dannette and Craig Cremer says
Sharon & family – so sorry to hear of Gerhard’s passing. He will be truly missed.
Doug & Kim Blunt says
Sharon and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Gerhard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christopher Taylor says
So sorry for your loss. He was an awesome person and will be missed
Vern and Ardis Zunich says
Sharon, We will miss visiting with Gerhard at coffee. What a good guy. Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
Janet Buraas Klein says
Sharon and family….I was truly shocked to read of Gerhard’s passing. He was such a gentle soul with such a great sense of humor! Not until reading this, did I know, that he was born and raised in the same area of North Dakota as my dad was from….no wonder he was like he was…I think it was the area of the country that they come from!! Do know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers and like everyone else said, Heaven gained an angel!!! Ya sure ya betcha!!
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Gerhard will be missed by so many. Wherever he was, there was fun and laughter. He had the quickest, dry wit of anyone I’ve ever known. The fun he (and George Gierke, who always called him Ludvig) had was one of the reasons I joined Lions Club. A Great Guy!
Doug & Lucy
Harlan Sorlien says
I’ve lost not only another brother; but, also a great friend. Gerhard will be truly missed by all his family and his many friends.
My deepest sympathy to you Sharon and the girls and all your families.
Will, hopefully, see you all Thursday.
hds
Dee Dee Kane says
Sharon and family: Gerhard was such a kind man and always had a smile on his face. We all enjoyed his playful bantering. I know the coffee group is going to be lost without him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Amy & Brad Bail says
We are so sad to hear of Gerhard. He was a great guy and lots of fun. He will be missed by by so many. Our deepest sympathy to each of you and blessings all around.
Amy & Brad
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
Sharon so sorry for your loss of your husband. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your memories help you through this tough time. you are in our thoughts and prayers.
B. Dean Holmes says
Sharon and family….. I personally share you loss…. what a great person. Always enjoyed Gerhardt where ever I would see him. A community loss indeed.
Hollis and Bev Quamme says
Gerhard will be missed by many. We know how close those Sorlien boys were and know they will all miss him a lot. Gerhard and I graduated from high school together in Hatton and 1956 and he always enjoyed our class reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with this loss in your life.
Garth Sleight says
We lived around the corner from the Sorliens many years ago when we lived on North Custer. Gerhard was always friendly to us. We were fairly new in town and appreciated his smile very much. My sincere condolences go to Sharon and all of the family.
John Jackson says
I was so sorry to hear of Gerhard’s passing. He was the greatest. My prayers to the whole family.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Gerhard Sorlien – Certainly Mr. Sorlien was loved and his life touched many people. The Bible reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by his servants (Hebrews 6:10). We are also promised that there will be a time in which pain now experienced with this loss “will not be called to mind” (Isaiah 65:17). The promise of Paradise, the perfect conditions God intended for mankind will be fulfilled including God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matthew 6:9, 10). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of future blessings (John 17:3).
Arthur Bowlin says
Was sorry to hear of Gerhard’s passing. You and family are in our prayers. May see you all in July. Love and Prayers, Art.
Karrie Heinze says
Sharon,
May peace and comfort surround you and your family during this time – today, tomorrow, next week and forever. Our family lost one of its shining little and he will be greatly missed.
Our love and sympathy to you and your family.
Karrie
Jim Hanson says
Sharon and family, so sorry to hear the passing of our cousin. He was planning the Sorlien reunion this coming summer; however, he has a better reunion with our Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Cousin Jim
Jim Hanson says
Sharon and family, so sorry to hear the passing of our cousin. He was planning the Sorlien reunion this coming summer; however, he has a better reunion with our Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Londa Bellows says
Sharon, Marcheta, Tracy, Roxie, Krystal…Words can not express how sorry I am to hear of Gerhard’s passing. Please lean on the people there to help see you through this. The Lord has given them to you to lean on. The Lord is there, surrounding you in in love and grace. May His peace be with you all.
Londa
Wendy Wilson says
Roxie and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad ‘s passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Bus Morris says
My condolences to Gerhard’s family on his loss. We both worked for L.P. Anderson’s companies in Miles City for many years before I transferred to Glendive in 1982.
Bus Morris
Glendive, MT
Rod & Sue Heitschmidt says
Sharon and family, We are so sorry to learn of Gerhard’s passing. In my opinion, the world has lost two great men in the past 60 days: Nelson Mandela and my friend Gerhard Sorlien! And the similarity between these two men’s walk through life is striking in that both faced personal challenges that could have led to a life of anger and self-pity yet both chose a life of tolerance and joy. I so wish we could attend his memorial service as I would love to share a couple of “Sorlien stories” with the attendees. What a quick wit he was! One story I will share is our final morning in Miles City. Gerhard stopped by to say good bye. He said ” Rod, you have been a good friend” which I considered the highest of compliments. However, I could not let this opportunity for one last laugh to pass so I said to him “Do you love me?” Gerhard’s immediate response was “You say anything more and I am retracting my statement about you being a good friend!” Classic Gerhard! Rest in peace my friend. Your life served as an inspiration to many and we are all grateful to have known you. You were and are special.
Stephani-Schumacher Collins says
Roxy, Krystal and family.
My prayers are with you as you journey through this time of loss.
It is so hard to lose a loved one, for this I am sorry.
Take care and know that you have many people thinking of you and holding you in their thoughts right now and in the future.
Stephani Collins
Cathy Thibault-Lampert says
Roxie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & Sheila Krausz says
Sharon & Family–Sorry to hear of Gerhard’s passing away. May you be comforted by your memories of Gerhard. He will be missed.
Kevin, Sheila, & Kimber
Vonnie Becker says
Sharon and family,
I just heard of Gerhard’s passing. My sincere condolences go out to each and everyone one of you. He was truly a kind and loving man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, et al. He always greeted you with a smile!
With love and prayers,
Vonnie Becker
Vonnie Becker says
Marcheta,
My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. So sorry I could not attend the services on such a short notice. You were there when I lost my father. Heaven has certainly welcomed another great citizen! ! !
vonnie
Brent Sorlien says
I have many fond memories of my Uncle Gerhard from my childhood. We would stop in Miles City for a visit and always had fun with the girls. We would also all meet up at Grandpa and Grandma Sorlien’s farm.
May God comfort all of you at this time of his passing from this life.
Brent
Kathy Sorlien says
Really don’t miss Uncle Gerhard at all. I went to a Wedding once out there and he was really weird. I mean literally freaked me out. Weird like the old man who cruises shopping mall parking lots in a white van looking for kids to abduct. Eweww! Glad I wasn’t around long enough to find out for sure. -Kathy Sorlien-