Wilbert Gutschmidt

Wilbert Gutschmidt was born on November 21, 1927, to Richard R. and Elsie (Radke) Gutschmidt near Fredonia in Logan County. He was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Fredonia. Wilbert attended rural schools and completed his elementary education in 1942.

Wilbert proudly served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, spending sixteen months in Germany during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion Clifford Post No. 260 in Fredonia.

Wilbert married Elva Ost on June 25, 1950. They farmed and raised both dairy and beef cattle during the forty-five years they lived on their farm which is located fourteen miles south of Gackle. Wilbert was passionate about farming and had the mechanical ability to problem solve and fix any type of machinery or vehicle on the farm. The harder the challenge, the more he liked it! In 1995, Wilbert and Elva moved into Gackle and his son, Roger, took over the farm operations. Wilbert continued to stay actively involved and help Roger until he was into his nineties. Wilbert and Elva were members of the United Church of Christ of Gackle. Elva passed away on April 4, 2010. Wilbert lived independently until the age of 96 when he became a resident of the Gackle Care Center.

Wilbert’s greatest joy was mentoring his two sons and inspiring them with his incredible knowledge and hard work ethic. They constantly sought out his advice and opinions on whatever project or repair that they were currently working on. Wilbert also served on the Fredonia Farmers Coop Elevator Board and as a trustee for the United Church of Christ in Gackle. Wilbert’s life revolved around his family and discussing the latest national news and daily stock market highlights with his grandchildren. He was always ready for a quick game of checkers and won nearly every game he played.

Wilbert passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Memorials are preferred to the Gackle American Legion or the Gackle Care Center.

Wilbert is survived by his sons, Paul (Donna) Gutschmidt of Devils Lake, ND, and Roger (Linda) Gutschmidt, Gackle, ND; grandchildren, David Gutschmidt, Mount Vernon, WA; Mark Gutschmidt, Devils Lake, ND; Hope (Evan) Swenson, Velva, ND; John Gutschmidt, Fargo, ND and Sarah Gutschmidt, Fargo, ND; great-granddaughter Mabel Swenson. In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and Severin French who lived with Roger’s family during his high school years.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Elva; brothers, Clifford (who died in infancy) and Norbert (Helen) Gutschmidt; in-laws, Edmund (Viola) Ost, Ben (Edna) Koenig, and Oscar (Viola) Ost.

VISITATION-Sunday, July 20, 2025, 4-7 PM with a 6 PM time of sharing. Location-Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

VISITATION-Monday, July 21, 2025, 9:30-10:30 AM, Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown.

MEMORIAL SERVICE-Monday, July 21, 2025, 10:30, Haut Funeral Home Jamestown. A luncheon will follow.

INURNMENT- Monday, July 21, 2025, 2 PM, Gackle Cemetery, Gackle, ND, with full Military Honors to follow.