Gerald C. Bekker

Gerald C. Bekker

Gerald C. Bekker, 72, a long-time Havre educator, was called to his eternal rest on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at his winter home in Apache Junction, Ariz. Gerald died suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havre, with the Rev. Mark Schultz officiating. Burial in the Highland Cemetery and a reception at the Elk's Lodge in Havre will follow the service. Holland & Bonine Funeral has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Gerald was born Sept. 22, 1940, in Scobey, Mont. He grew up on the family farm in Scobey and graduated from Scobey High School in 1958.

Gerald married Irene M. Schrade on June 25, 1961, at St. John Lutheran Church in Libby, Mont. Together they had three children, Brian, David and Kerri. Irene predeceased Gerald in 1998.

Following high school, Gerald attended Northern Montana College and received a two-year certificate in diesel technology. He began working as a mechanic at Stedje Brothers in Kalispell, Mont., in 1961. Gerald was the shop foreman at Stedje Brothers in 1963 when he and Irene returned to Havre so they could both continue their education. Gerald received a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern with majors in industrial arts and business education in 1966. He received his master's degree in education from Oregon State University in 1970 and his doctorate from Texas A&M University in 1975. Gerald spent much of his working life at Montana State University-Northern. He started there as an instructor of diesel technology in 1966 and retired as director of education and graduate programs in 1997.

Gerald was an active member of his church. In 1969 Gerald joined the Havre Lions Club. He was passionate about the club and the service they provide. Through Lions he developed many cherished relationships. Gerald was enjoying his retirement to say the least. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in the Bear Paw Mountains and especially treasured his time with his two grandchildren, Libby Irene Nelson and Braxton Gerrit Bekker. They brought out the very best in their Papa!

Surviving are his sons, Brian Bekker and David (Cheree) Bekker of Havre; his daughter, Kerri Bekker (Jan) Nelson of Great Falls; his brothers Glenn (Diane) Bekker and Roger (Susan) Bekker of Scobey; his sister, Nancy Bekker of Helena; his brother-in-law, Richard (Karla) Schrade of Libby; his special friend, Cindy Small of Havre; his step-granddaughter, Jace Nelson of Great Falls; and his two grandchildren, Libby and Braxton. Gerald was preceded in death by Irene; by his mother, Geraldine Bekker, in 1940; by his father, Gerrit Bekker, in 1972; and by his step-mother, Violet Bekker, in 1995.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havre or to the Havre Lions Club.