Gerald Hatling | May 23, 1929 - November 16, 2020
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Nov 18, 2020 | 11:51 AM / 576 views
Gerald R. Hatling, 91, of Gettysburg passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. Burial of his cremains will take place in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD.
Gerald Roger Hatling was born May 23, 1929 in Graceville, MN to Walter and Martha (Bergsing) Hatling. He received his education while living in Sisseton, SD, graduating from Sisseton High School in 1947.
Following graduation, Gerald went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone company, working out of the Wilmot office on the line crew. He worked with them until his enlisted with the United State Army on October 5, 1948.
On May 26, 1949 he was united in marriage to Sarah Rieben. Together they moved to Manhattan, KS where he was stationed at Fort Riley. They spent a few years moving around during his service time prior to his discharge. The couple moved back to South Dakota where Gerald returned to work for Northwestern Bell, and later was called back to the army a second time. Upon Gerald’s discharge, they again returned to South Dakota where they lived in Aberdeen, Milbank and Pierre, and he worked as a cable splicer, equipment manager, and helped start up a new office, all for Northwestern Bell.
Gerald and Sarah were inseparable. They raised their family together and enjoyed day to day life together as well. Friends learned if you invited one it meant the other was coming along. Along with their boys, they enjoyed hunting, fishing, training dogs, golfing and traveling. In 1984, Gerald retired and together they spent the next 20 years wintering in Gold Canyon, AZ and their summers at Pickerel Lake, SD. In the early 2010’s, they retired to Gettysburg where he has lived until the time of his passing.
Gerald was also a member of the American Legion.
Gerald is survived by his sons: Roger (Mary) Hatling, Pierre and Timothy (Susan) Hatling, Des Moines, IA; grandchildren: Brandon (Julie) Hatling, Belle Fourche, Kent (Melissa) Hatling, Pine Haven, WY, Jenny (Seth) Adkins, Box Elder, and Jerrid (Carolyn) Hatling, Des Moines, IA; and his great grandchildren: Reagan & Owen Hatling, Carter, Tanner, Bridger & Archer Hatling, Summer Adkins, and Penelope & Eleanore Hatling.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Martha (Bergsing) Hatling and his wife: Sarah Hatling.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Gerald’s arrangements.
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