Gerhardt “George” Ehlert was born February 1, 1941 to Walter and Fern (Johnson) Ehlert in Fairmont, the sixth child of nine. He went to school until the 8th grade when he signed up for the US Navy, in January of 1958. He left for Great Lakes, Ill (bootcamp) February 20, 1958. After bootcamp he went aboard the USS THOR (ARC-4) in Rhode Island. He remained active until May 1, 1962, then transferred to the Reserve (inactive) until February 19, 1964. He got his GED the first year he was in the Navy.

When he returned to Fairmont, he did odds and ends of jobs. He moved to Illinois in 1966. He worked various jobs until returning to Fairmont working at Fairmont Railway Motors on and off for 11 years. He cooked at Western Café for about five years. Then he went to Las Vegas and took schooling to fix machines. He worked for Sears as well. George returned to Fairmont and worked in Northrop for about four years.

In 2003, George had a severe stroke which ended his working days. He worked hard to get back to be able to live in an apartment until April of 2020. He then started having more health issues that led him to the Luverne VA Retirement Home for two years.

Left to cherish his memory include his sister, Rita Wendland of Apple Valley, Minn.; sister-in-law, Pat Ehlert of Fairmont, Minn.; many nieces, nephews and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Fern Ehlert; brothers: Meryle, Gerald “Jerry”, Robert, and Walter Jr.; sisters, Mary Lou, Sharon, and Faye; three nephews, four nieces; brothers-in-law, George Wendland, Robert Dietz, George Pierce, and Charlie Curtis; and sisters-in-law: Bev, Kathy and Patricia.

The family asks that memorials be given in George’s name to the MN Veterans Home in Luverne, the VA Hospital, the American Legion Post 36, or the donor’s choice.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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