Gary Ertmann

Gary W,. Ertmann, of Devils Lake ND passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Lakota Good Samaritan Center at the age of 80 years.

Funeral Services for Gary will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND

Gary Wayne Ertmann was born on March 17, 1945 in Devils Lake, ND to Karl Ertmann and Margaret (Ring) Ertmann. He graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1963. On April 28th, 1967, Gary was united in marriage with his middle school sweetheart and lifelong “partner in crime”, Trudy Halldorson. They were married for 56 years, until her death in 2023. They made their home in Devils Lake and raised two children (Tina and Cheri).

Gary began his military service in 1962 in the ND Army National Guard and spent a few years in the US Army (1964-1968). He was also a captain in the ND Civil Air Patrol and assisted in many search missions. He took a civilian break and worked at Wakefield Flight Service as a crop sprayer and charter pilot. Gary earned degrees in diesel mechanics and auto mechanics. He was an auto mechanics instructor at Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake for several years before reenlisting in the ND Army National Guard in 1980. After his retirement and honorable discharge in 1998, he continued to work at several jobs, including a position as the ND National Guard Family Assistance Advisor, where he provided assistance to families of deployed soldiers.

Gary was active as a volunteer for several organizations in the community, including the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Friends of White Horse Hill, Hunter Safety Instructor, and AARP Driver Safety/Tax Aide. Gary was a member of the ND Army National Guard Enlisted Association, Elks Lodge 1216, and American Legion Tim Running Post 24. Gary and Trudy were active members of their church, and their faith was always an important part of their lives. Gary also had a lifelong love of flying, working on anything mechanical, and traveling with his family. He enjoyed spending time at the shooting range and engaging in shooting competitions, for which he won several awards.

Gary dearly loved his family, his friends, his community, and his country. Gary and Trudy were always present at family gatherings and events and spent countless hours attending their children’s and grandchildren’s events and activities. His grandchildren always held a special place in his heart, and he loved being their “Grampy”. He will be remembered for his kindness, enduring love, and silly sense of humor.

Gary will be deeply missed by his daughters, Tina (Donny) Heisler, Audubon MN and Cheri (Fred Leonard) Rice, Columbia MD; grandchildren, Alycia (Evan Balko) Heisler, Moorhead MN and Sydney Heisler, St. Paul MN; mother-in-law, Arlie Halldorson, Enderlin ND; brothers-in-law Allen Halldorson and Ricky (Karla) Halldorson, both of Enderlin ND; sisters-in-law, Karen Ertmann and Karla Ertmann, both of Fargo ND; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death and will be welcomed in heaven by his loving wife, Trudy; father and mother, Karl and Margaret Ertmann; father-in-law, Alfred Halldorson; brothers Victor, David, and Charles Ertmann; sister, Marjorie Wallander; brother-in-law Jerry Wallander; sister-in-law, Elaine Halldorson.

Gary is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake