Gerald Edward Lorton, 72, Park River, N.D. and formerly of Burkettsville, passed away peacefully Jan. 31, 2015, at Sanford Health, Fargo, N.D.

He was born Oct. 15, 1942, in Celina, to Felix and Elaine Link Lorton. On April 10, 1965, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Park River, he married Yvonne Peterson, who survives. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in April.

Also surviving are two children, Kim (Scott) Helt, Rochester, Minn., and Michael (Deena) Lorton, Park River, N.D.; three granddaughters that he loved with all his heart, Stephanie and Katie Helt and Meghan Lorton; three siblings, Kenneth (Linda) Lorton, Burkettsville, Victoria (Robert) Reichard, Union City, Ind., and Shirley Ellenwood, Coldwater; and several nieces and nephews.

In August 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Newfoundland, Guam, Grand Forks Air Force Base and Clinton Sherman AFB, Okla., where he was discharged in March 1969.

He worked for the Farmers Union Elevator in Park River for 21 1/2 years and at St. Thomas Grain and Nash Grain and Trading Company for a time. He also worked as the janitor at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and for the city of Park River.

He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Park River, the Park River Volunteer Fire Department, Park River Jaycees and the Paul Farup American Legion Post.

Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Park River. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, in the spring. Military rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

Calling is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Tollefson Funeral Home, Park River, and 1-2 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Condolences may be left at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com.