Victoria Gerhardt

Victoria Gerhardt, 66, Raleigh, died Feb. 6, 2010, at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Feb. 11, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, with Rev. Daniel Berg as celebrant. Burial was at Mandan Union Cemetery. 

Vicky was born April 23, 1943, in Grant County, to Adolph and Rufina (Wingenbach) Kopp. Raised in the Raleigh area, she graduated from Flasher High School in 1961. On Oct. 27, 1964, she married James Gerhardt in St. Gertrude. Vicky grew up helping her mom and dad at Kopp’s Food Center in Raleigh. She was later able to help with the family business, which also became the town post office. Very outgoing and social, Vicky was the center of her community and was a member of the St. Lawrence Parish in Flasher, where she served as Eucharistic minister and usher. She also belonged to the Raleigh Homemakers club and the Tri County Twirlers Square Dancing club. Vicky was competitive and enjoyed a spirited game of cards, Yahtzee and marbles. Doing jigsaw puzzles, reading romance novels, crocheting, watching game shows and writing to pen pals were things Vicky enjoyed for many years. She liked to can the produce that friends gave to her and was best known for her pickled watermelon, as well as her baked goods. Vicky’s warm and friendly personality endeared her to those she met, and she knew everyone it seemed. She loved being a homemaker and her children, grandchildren and grand dog; Pebbles were very special to her. She became like a second mom to many of her children’s friends. This special woman will forever be remembered for her warmth, kindness and generosity by family, all of her friends and residents of Raleigh.

Blessed to have shared her life is her husband of 45 years, James Gerhardt, Raleigh; three daughters, Cindy (Bryan) Obenchain and Stephanie (Rob) Hoffart, both of Minot, Kelly (Tyler) Watson, Surrey; one son, Bruce (Kerry) Gerhardt, Edmonds, Wash.; five grandchildren, Erin and Bailey Obenchain, Kelsey and Jamie Hoffart, and Anthony Gerhardt; seven sisters, Billie (Mark) Klein, Bismarck, Rosie Hersch, Fargo, Ann Collingwood, Sacramento, Calif., Ida (Steve) Kautzman, New Salem, Leona Gerhardt, Reno, Nev., Renee Powers, Fargo, and Joni Christopherson, Mandan; and two brothers-in-law, Bruce Scharmer, Minn., and David Utter, Mobridge, S.D.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Linda Klein, Vi Scharmer, and Alice Utter; three brothers, Albin, Les, and Otto Kopp; four brothers-in-law, Joe Hersch, Norm Collingwood, Chris Gerhardt, and Don Christopherson; one sister-in-law, Gladys Mumey; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Valentine and Beatrice Gerhardt;

Go to www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook and view flower and tribute photos.

Donald W. Hannu

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Donald W. Hannu. Don’s life was indeed a journey, a memorable one for those of us who loved him. He passed peacefully in the arms of his beloved, Eileen on Feb. 4, 2010.

His journey began in Astoria, Ore., on May 23, 1930. The entrepreneurial spirit was characteristic of the Hannus, and Don was no exception. The coastal region provided him with opportunities for logging and fishing alongside his dad. From owning and running a bowling alley in Seaside, he decided to pursue the academic side and enrolled at a college in Eugene. Few people know that Don started accordion lessons very early in life, playing in bands for dances and weddings for a number of years. In Eugene, he majored in English and music and was trained in classical and jazz piano.

Don possessed a spirit of adventure, driven to see what was around the next corner in life. The ’50s decade found him in Denver, Colo., starting a hardfacing business that lasted a number of years. Challenge and wanderlust then took him to Canada for eight years in the ’70s and early ’80s. During this time, he used his many skills to build a house and live off the land by hunting, fishing and gardening. Life was good there until the novelty and lure of the north country wore off. Enterprise and business were nagging at him again; this time he went to Calgary, where he found a business partner who was willing to settle in the U.S. Together, in 1987, they established Cladding Technology, Inc. located in Mandan, where Don took sole possession in 1989. He worked at the shop until 2006, when it was sold to a larger company. During this time he developed two patents, which are still used in the industry today.

Throughout life and in any endeavor he undertook, Don’s integrity and honesty were paramount.

In the early ’90s, Don was known in some circles as the Mandan “gadfly,” making his opinions known by writing editorials. He angered many politicians with his unshakeable views on many issues, including the diesel spill and more recently, the hoax of global warming.

The last four years of his life were indeed the most serene and peaceful. The little country house he shared with Eileen and the two Norwegian Elkhounds, Loki and Sally, made his last years comfortable. Don affectionately referred to this foursome as his “Pack.”

In 2007 he suffered a stroke, but with diligence and discipline his recovery was remarkable. The steady flow of family and friends enabled him to live in the little red house he loved.

With diligence, constant and caring help from Jeff Ternes, Don was able to share in a limited way with the daily maintenance and upkeep.

Left to grieve are his six children and their families, in Denver, Martin, Cris, Brenda, Sheralyn and Daven. The oldest daughter Laura lives in Wilmington, Del., with her family.

We are honoring Don’s request of cremation and no formal services.