To view a streaming of the service access: https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurch9176/streams
Gary Patrick Gathman, 74, longtime Berthold resident, died Monday, May 12, 2025 in a Minot hospital.
Gary was born March 17, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Minot, ND to Theodore and Bernice (Zimmerman) Gathman. He was raised and educated in Berthold, where he was active in all sports and graduated with the class of 1969.
He served his country as a member of the ND National Guard fulfilling his service and training at Fort Ord, CA.
Gary was united in marriage to Laurie DeBilt on May 8, 1971 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Berthold. They briefly made their home in Minot and Minneapolis before returning to Berthold, where they built a home in 1975. This union was blessed with four children to love.
Gary owned and operated Gathman Construction for many years. He built countless pole barns, did all things roofing and also ran a seamless gutter operation. He also worked as a substitute mail carrier in his later years. He retired in 2016 but continued to work on numerous projects for friends and family. Special projects for his kids included help building their homes, additions, remodeling and many hours of yard work.
Gary loved everything outdoors! Spring and summers were spent on the lake chasing walleyes in secret spots. Fall was a time spent in the field hunting roosters and whitetails. Gary deeply valued that time spent with family and friends.
Gary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. He also was an integral and active member of the Berthold Sportsmen’s Club.
One of his life’s greatest joys was being called grandpa…and he was the best! Memories of endless card games, picking fruit or sunset rides home after a day of fishing will be treasured forever. A pocket full of skittles to share or a donut just for you, Grandpa Gary always made sure you were well fed.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Laurie, Berthold; children Brad (Marisa) Gathman, Homer, AK, Bill (Bobbie) Gathman, Williston, ND, Amy (Keith) Neshem, Berthold, ND and Kara (Josy) Peterson, Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren Emily (Keaton) Borud, Molly Gathman, Erika Neshem, Grant Gathman, Garrett Gathman, Mya Neshem, Charlie Peterson, Parker Neshem, Henry Peterson, and Jack Peterson; great-granddaughter Ellie Borud; siblings Jean (Francis) Hennessy, Judy (Bob) Schwehr, Ken (Ardyce) Gathman, Jim (Teresa) Gathman, Steve (Kim) Gathman and Mary Kurtz; in laws include Pat Gathman, Linda (John) Rittberger, Susan (Roger) Finke, Mike (Cindy) DeBilt, Julie (Rod) Deaver, Jill (Jeff) Brown, Bruce (Netty) DeBilt, Tim (Lavina) DeBilt along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Bernice, siblings Frank (Virginia), Ted, George (Pat) Gathman and Kathy (Vergil) Mosser and parents-in-law Bill and Thelma DeBilt.
Celebration of Gary Gathman’s Life: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Berthold, ND with fellowship and lunch to follow at the Berthold Sportsmen’s Club. To view a streaming of the service access: https://www.youtube.com/@zionlutheranchurch9176/streams
Visitation: Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Berthold, ND.
Public Prayer Service: 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Berthold, ND.
Memorials given in Gary’s memory are to be provided to any of the emergency services in the City of Berthold (Fire/Ambulance) or to Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Gary Patrick Gathman, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
