Gerald Wegscheid

Gerald Eugene Wegscheid, 80, of Detroit Lakes Mn, passed away on January 24, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones peacefully at his residence Golden Manor Assisted Living/Memory Care. Gerald was born in Wadena, Mn to Leonard and Lorene Wegscheid on February 22nd, 1943. He was the 4th child born out of 14 children his parents had. He went to school at Perham High School where he graduated in 1961. He married Loretta Rawlings on April 20th, 1968 in Minneapolis, Mn. He worked as a Welder for Whirl-Air-Flow of Minneapolis/Big Lake Mn for 45+ years. He was a veteran in the Vietnam War and served in the Army and was awarded medals or awards of Sharpshooter, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. While serving in the Army he was trained as a Welder/Blacksmith. He dedicated over 50 years serving as Commander, Officer of the Day, gambling and bar manager and lead the Color Guard. He was also well known for steak frys and pork tenderloin dinners @ Columbia Heights VFW Post 230. Gerald was one of the 7 original members of the Anoka County Veterans Council where he also was a member for 47 years and served as Officer of the Day. He volunteered for many organizations like Columbia Heights Baseball, where he enjoyed watching baseball and was a great part reviving the program, Columbia Heights Fastpitch Softball where he also coached and enjoyed watching his daughter play. He also did volunteer work for the Twin Cities area Special Olympics and many other organizations. After retiring he put in his time as a volunteer driver for about 17 years for Anoka County Transit, where he drove veterans or elderly to doctor appointments. Gerald dedicated most of his time helping others in need any way he could. He enjoyed playing softball in his younger years, bowling, fishing and deer hunting. His highest achievement was a being a father and grandfather to where he excelled. He has touched many lives..Great man gone home to soon. Gerald is preceded in death loving by wife of nearly 30 years Loretta Wegscheid, special friend Barb Reed,parents Leonard and Lorene Wegscheid, brothers Ormond, Roger and Lawrence,brother in laws Stan Lehmann and Halarian Schulz; sister in laws Yvonne,Edith and Kathy,son in laws Donald Dexter and Jamie Sazama and many other friends and family. Gerald is survived by his children: Loretta ( Wegscheid Jr) Sazama, William Rawlings, Sandra( Micheal ) Pickering and Ivan Hazelwood. Grandchildren: Micheal, Linda (Tony) Evans, Stephanie (Chad) Payne, David (Nia) Dexter, Adam Hill, Natasha Pitcher, Darrick Hill, Dustin Rawlings, Terrance Hill. Great-Grandchildren: Chad Payne Jr., Noah Payne, Isabella and Dexter Hobbins. and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren and many loving family and friends. Memorial service will be held on Saturday February 17, 2024 at 1:30 PM with visitation starting at 12 at Washburn-McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel, 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW. Burial immediately following at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids. Reception to follow at Coon Rapids VFW Post 9625, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW.

Tributes

Gerald Wegscheid

February 22, 1943 - January 24, 2024

Tributes

Gerald Wegscheid

February 22, 1943 - January 24, 2024

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