Gerald Rebenitsch

Gerald Rebenitsch, 80, St. Anthony, passed away surrounded by his family on March 28, 2024. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Keith Striefel celebrating.  Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a St. Anthony Verein Rosary and Parish Vigil at 7 PM.   Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Gerald was born November 28, 1943, in Fort Rice, ND, the son of Joseph and Ann (Miller) Rebenitsch.  Raised and educated in Fort Rice, Gerald’s mother was his school teacher for a number of years.  He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1961 and then farmed and ranched side by side with his father, eventually taking over the family homestead when his parents retired.  Needing a partner in life and ranching (and a good cook!), Gerald married Darlene Fisher on November 4, 1971.  They made their home and raised their three children on the family ranch.  Gerald loved putting up hay and working with his cattle.   He was very proud of his collection of Ford tractors.  He and Darlene retired in 2013 and moved to St. Anthony.  His sons and daughter-in-laws took over the family ranch and Gerald still enjoyed coming out to supervise.

Gerald loved traveling, playing Pinochle, attending family reunions, and taking road trips, especially to the casino and Deadwood.  For their 25^th wedding anniversary, Gerald surprised Darlene, a huge Elvis fan, with a trip to Memphis where he became an Elvis fan himself.   Gerald was a member of the Moose Lodge, St. Anthony Verein, and was a board member for Mandan Rural Fire Department for 24 years.  He had a strong mind and a great memory so somehow, he was always right.  He loved being a grandpa and his grandkids enjoyed going to church with him and then were treated to lunch in town.  He was especially proud of becoming a great grandpa to Oliver on February 28, 2024.   He loved surfing Bisman Online for deals.  Every morning he watched Perry Mason and old westerns in the late afternoon.  A kind man who was good to everyone, Gerald will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.    

Blessed to have shared in his life is his wife of 52 years, Darlene Rebenitsch; his three children and their families, Lee (Joanne) Rebenitsch, and their children, Tyler (Kiara) and their son, Oliver, Jake, Dylan, Emily, Maddie, and Logan; Christine (Billy) Dillmann and their children, Faith, Levi, and Lacey; and Curt (Chelsea) Rebenitsch and their children, Michaela, Katelynn, Pepper, Alyssa, and Peyton; sister, Joletta (Reynard) Schmidt; brothers-in-law, Gary Fisher, Ronnie (Joann) Fisher, and Darby (Ruthie) Fisher; and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.  Special thanks to Margaret Rennecke.  

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Caleb; father and mother-in-law, Clifford and Loretta Fisher; sister-in-law, Vivian Fisher; and nephew, Wesley Fisher.