Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 271473
Title: Gerald M. Sebastian
Date: 3/5/1948-2/25/2025
Creator:
Inscription/Marks: 3/5/1948
Summary: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gerald Marcellus Sebastian, who left us peacefully on February 25, 2025, at the age of 76. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Gerald was a pillar of his community, cherished for his deep faith, strong family bonds, and his vibrant, adventurous spirit. A memorial service was held March 7, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glen Ullin, ND. Burial was in St. Clements Cemetery. Gerald’s heart was as big as the prairie he grew up on and his smile and the twinkle in his eye could rival the Northern Lights. Gentle, yet strong, he worked alongside his late brother Duane and Dave and Kathy Sardelli on Overhill Stock Farm, with whom he shared a love for the land and the hard but rewarding life of ranching. Whether tending to cattle, riding his trusted horse Cherokee across the fields, or working from sunup to sundown, Gerald was a dedicated steward to the land he called home and a beloved figure in the Haymarsh community. Known for his generosity and reliability, he was always there to lend a helping hand. An accomplished musician, Gerald and his wife, Debbie, filled many hearts with joy through their bands, Midnight Ride and Gettysburg Express, for over three decades. Their music was a testament to their deep love and the harmony they shared in life. Gerald also had a passion for muscle cars, especially his 429 Ford Torino, often recognized as the fastest car in the county. He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Debbie; his children, Garrett Sebastian (Melissa) and Gwen Sebastian (Louis); his cherished grandson, Samuel; his brother, Joel (Linda); and his sister, JoAnn. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Anna and Eunice Sebastian; brother-in-law, Bob Praus, and many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Gerald. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Caroline; his brothers, Myron, Reuben, and Duane; sisters, Eunice Schirado and Joyce Praus; brothers-in-law, Ernest Schirado and Ervin Messer; and sister-in-law, Marion Sebastian. Gerald’s legacy is marked by integrity, generosity, and the laughter he brought into every room. His life was a testament to a man who lived with passion and love. The memories of him will forever inspire and resonate through the stories told and the lives he touched.
Red ID: FND_I_78968 Image ID: 522317 Image Notes: FND001 271473

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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