Gerald M. Schlichting
Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Gerald “Gary” Schlichting, age 81, who passed away Nov. 30, 2023, at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach officiated and burial was at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls. Visitation was Tuesday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the services at the church Wednesday. There was a prayer service by the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Gerald Mathew Schlichting was born Sept. 20, 1942, in Sauk Rapids to Edward and Harriet (Janochowski) Schlichting Sr. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army. Gary married Bonita “Bonnie” Beckers on May 29, 1965, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. He worked as a meat cutter for Cash Wise and Appert’s Foodservice for over 40 years. Gary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992 where he served as commander and gambling manager. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, playing softball for the Braves, and spending time with his family. Gary was a hard-worker, dedicated to his family, was always there for everyone, and was a jack of all trades. He was very content and grateful for everything around him.
Gary is survived by his wife Bonnie of Sauk Rapids; daughters Desiree (Jim) Spoden of Sauk Rapids, Tina Lee Schlichting (Sandy Caviani) of Sauk Rapids and Kimberly (Christopher) Butler of Seattle, Washington; siblings, Dennis “Jock” (Marguerite) Schlichting, Ronald (Donna) Schlichting, Kathy (Al) Eiynck, Edward Schlichting Jr., Robert (Janet) Schlichting, Steve (Carol) Schlichting, John (Mary) Schlichting and Joann Anderson; and grandchildren Mathew, Carly, Nicholas, Sophie and John Paul. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother George Schlichting; sister Mary Schlichting; and sisters-in-law Yvonne and Linda.
The family would like to thank the hospice staff and Home Base Primary Care staff at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center for the excellent care given to Gary.
Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com.
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