Gerald Hatling
May 23, 1929 ~ November 16, 2020
Gerald R. Hatling, 91, of Gettysburg passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at the Avera Oahe Manor, Gettysburg.
A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. Burial of his cremains will take place in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD.
Gerald Roger Hatling was born May 23, 1929 in Graceville, MN to Walter and Martha (Bergsing) Hatling. He received his education while living in Sisseton, SD, graduating from Sisseton High School in 1947.
Following graduation, Gerald went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone company, working out of the Wilmot office on the line crew. He worked with them until his enlisted with the United State Army on October 5, 1948.
On May 26, 1949 he was united in marriage to Sarah Rieben. Together they moved to Manhattan, KS where he was stationed at Fort Riley. They spent a few years moving around during his service time prior to his discharge. The couple moved back to South Dakota where Gerald returned to work for Northwestern Bell, and later was called back to the army a second time. Upon Gerald’s discharge, they again returned to South Dakota where they lived in Aberdeen, Milbank and Pierre, and he worked as a cable splicer, equipment manager, and helped start up a new office, all for Northwestern Bell.
Gerald and Sarah were inseparable. They raised their family together and enjoyed day to day life together as well. Friends learned if you invited one it meant the other was coming along. Along with their boys, they enjoyed hunting, fishing, training dogs, golfing and traveling. In 1984, Gerald retired and together they spent the next 20 years wintering in Gold Canyon, AZ and their summers at Pickerel Lake, SD. In the early 2010’s, they retired to Gettysburg where he has lived until the time of his passing.
Gerald was also a member of the American Legion.
Gerald is survived by his sons: Roger (Mary) Hatling, Pierre and Timothy (Susan) Hatling, Des Moines, IA; grandchildren: Brandon (Julie) Hatling, Belle Fourche, Kent (Melissa) Hatling, Pine Haven, WY, Jenny (Seth) Adkins, Box Elder, and Jerrid (Carolyn) Hatling, Des Moines, IA; and his great grandchildren: Reagan & Owen Hatling, Carter, Tanner, Bridger & Archer Hatling, Summer Adkins, and Penelope & Eleanore Hatling.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Martha (Bergsing) Hatling and his wife: Sarah Hatling.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Gerald’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Sorry for your Loss. Gerald was one of the finest gentlemen that I have dealt with at my office. I don't know if many people in Gettysburg knew the Hatlings, but they were very fine folks. I used to stop and visit Sarah and Gerald when she was in the Oahe Manor. Gerald did two enlistments in the US Army, was a Band Master during both tours. May the Hatling's have a high place in Heaven so the Lord has a new band member and a stewardess. God Bless Gerald and Sarah
I
We are so very sorry to hear of your dads passing. And so very thankful we got to visit with him last summer. He’s with your mom now having their cocktail looking over the lake! Memories…… thinking of you all🙏
So very sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. I have very fond memories of him and Sally. Spending time with them at the cabin and even going fishing with him. May they Rest In Peace .
Roger, Tim and families,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of when our families shared time together back in Aberdeen.
Sincerely – Jerry & Kathy
Sincere condolences to you, Roger, and your family. It was truly a blessing to me to have known them both. Now they can shoot ducks and fish with no limits! You have spectacular memories for sure! God's peace be with you all.