Gerald Siltman

Gerald "Gerry" Michael Siltman, 60, of Dumont, MN passed away quietly on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at the Sanford Wheaton Medical Center in Wheaton, MN, with family and friends in attendance.

Gerald was born on May 3, 1957 in Breckenridge, MN, the son of William and Virginia (Mielke) Siltman. He grew up and attended school in Wheaton, graduating in 1975. He was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member at St. John Lutheran Church. After high school he attended Alexandria Vocational Technical School for training in Diesel Mechanics. Upon graduation he worked at Interstate Inc. in Fergus Falls. Later he returned to Wheaton and worked various jobs, before starting work with the Traverse County Highway Department in 1982. He was a familiar sight operating the road grader for many of his years, before retiring in December 2016. He moved to Dumont in this period. During those years, he also had secondary occupations, including operating his own GMS Service - repairing and servicing small engines, lawn mowers and more - a great benefit to many with those small jobs and helping with the sugar beet harvest in the fall.

Over the years Gerald felt privileged to be a member of the Wheaton JayCees, the Wheaton Fire Department, several bowling teams and the Rosholt Shooters Club.

Gerry enjoyed getting together with family and friends, deer hunting, shooting and riding his motorcycle. He took annual motorcycle trips with Kelly and Jane Schultz throughout much of the southern and western USA, including a stop in Sturgis for their annual Motorcycle Rally. He loved learning and was an avid reader - a frequent visitor to the Wheaton Public Library. Special memories for Gerry included working backstage at the Traverse County Fair for big name shows such as Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride, the Oak Ridge Boys and the Statler Brothers.

In 1984 he was able to travel to Switzerland, Italy, Germany and France - a trip of a life time. Thank you to Ray, Helen and Gary Johnson.

He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2017 and much of the last year was spent travelling back and forth to Fargo for treatment at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center. Special thanks to Steve Wahl and other friends who helped with his transportation and supported him through these treatments.

Gerald is survived by his brother Ted Siltman of Wheaton, MN; his sisters: Sue Siltman and Sandi (Rick) Nelson of Clearbrook, MN; his niece Kristyn (Brenton) Bergh of Bagley, MN; and nephews: Brian (Jill) Koch and Nathan (Heather) Koch and their families of Wheaton, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and one sister, Cheryl Ann.

Visitation for Gerald will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12th at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, MN. A family prayer service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, MN, with Rev. Michael Breach officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gerry was a great brother and a good friend to many. He fought hard against his cancer, but he knew his life and future were in God's hands. We are so thankful for the time we had with him and thankful he had a peaceful end. God does have a purpose and a plan, but right here we have lost a special person. Thank you for your prayers.