Harold Gebert

Harold David Gebert of Audubon, MN, passed into eternity on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in Elim Rehab and Care Center, Fargo, ND. He had been a resident of the Pioneer House in Fargo, since October of 2008.

Harold was born on December 23, 1921, to William and Ida Gebert in Princeton, MN. He grew up on his family's farm and attended school in Princeton until he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. In February of 1941, as a first-class seaman, Harold was assigned to a cruiser, the Northhampton, which was headquartered in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Harold's cruiser was on patrol duty and narrowly missed the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. One year later, on December 1, 1942, a Japanese torpedo sunk the Northhamptom off Gaudalcanal. Harold escaped by jumping into the ocean and swimming to a life raft. Harold continued to serve on other ships in the South Pacific until his discharge from the Navy in 1946.

It was on one of his furloughs back home that Harold met his future wife, Verna. Harold and Verna began corresponding with each other during Harold's naval service in the South Pacific. They were married in 1947.

Harold worked as a carpenter until he and Verna purchased her parents' farm south of Pillager, MN. In the fall of 1962, Harold and Verna purchased a farm north of Audubon, where they remained until the summer of 2008.

Harold's faith in Jesus was his stronghold throughout life. He was active in First Lutheran Church of Audubon, Berean Baptist Church of Detroit Lakes, MN, and his current church home, the Audubon Chapel. Harold was an excellent woodworker and made many items for family and friends. One of his favorite leisure activities was summer and winter fishing. In addition to his faith, Harold will be remembered for his love of family and friends and his service to his country.

Harold is survived by his son, Neal (Candi) of Moorhead, MN; daughters, Pat (Gary) Adams of St. Paul, MN, Eileen (Larry) Opp of Stephen, MN and Anita (Jerome) Bachand of Brooks, MN; grandchildren, Brian (Ramey) Opp of Moorhead, Darin Opp and friend Amanda Lubitz of Fargo, Ryan Bachand of Moorhead, and Kayla Bachand of Rochester, MN; and great-grandchildren, Kyle Opp, Raiden Moore, and Mira Lubitz.

He was preceded in death by Verna, his wife of 65 years; his parents; his brothers, Donald and Chester "Chet"; and his sister, Ruth Nelson.

Visitation: One hour prior to the services.

Memoriall Service: Friday, December 13, 2013, at 3:30 PM, in Elim Rehab and Care Center Chapel in Fargo.

Interment: Wildwood Cemetery, Pillager, MN.

(Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead)