Gerhardt Bartling, 93

Gerhardt R. Bartling was born July 21, 1924 to Henry and Elizabeth (Klein) Bartling and died Jan. 6, 2018 at his home in rural Herrick, South Dakota.

Gerhardt grew up on the family farm with his seven brothers and two sisters. He was baptized, confirmed and was a life long member of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burke. He graduated from Burke High School and enjoyed playing baseball with local teams. He then joined the service, and it was during that time he met Joan Inglett and they were joined in marriage in 1951.

After their marriage they lived on a ranch outside of Lucas, where they began raising registered Herefords. They later moved to an acreage outside of Burke and settled there to raise their family. Gerhardt enjoyed fishing, playing cards, caring for his livestock and visiting with friends and family. He loved to watch baseball and cheer on the Minnesota Twins. He was an active member of the American Legion, Hereford Association, Livestock Improvement Association and always available to help out his neighbors. He ran the Gregory County Spray Service for several years, spraying livestock and trees. He was a man that understood nature and the effects on mankind. He was thankful for the blessings of a good harvest, but respected the wrath as well. Gerhardt was known for his friendly smile, hard work ethic and his kindness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, his infant son, Morris Dean Bartling, and a grandson, Grant Simunek.

Gerhardt is survived by his seven children: Jay Bartling of Herrick, SD; Jan and Mike Simunek of Hot Springs, SD; Sherri Raschke of Herrick, SD; Bart and Julie Bartling of Gregory, SD; Laurie and Doug Wernke of Lennox, SD; Matt Bartling of Herrick, SD; and Krista and Dean Holliday of Orchard, NE; seventeen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are: brother, Alvin Bartling of Burke, SD; sister-in-law, Fern (Lloyd) Bartling of Gregory, SD; sister-in-law, Norma (Gene) Inglett of Burke, SD; brother-in-law, Gale and Jan Inglett of Roseville, CA; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Neal) Inglett of Reseda, CA; sister-in-law, Velma and Neal Burkinshaw of Newport, NE and sister-in-law, Lila and David Howe of Corte Madera, CA.