Gary Durward Lenton, 79, lifelong Norwich area farmer and rancher died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 in a Minot hospital.

Gary was born on January 1, 1937 in Minot to Durward and Evelyn (Olson) Lenton. He was reared on a farm in Surrey Township of Ward County south of Surrey, attended school in Surrey and graduated from Surrey High School in 1955. As a young adult he assisted his family with the operation of the farm and milking responsibilities and was employed by Wally Davidson Construction and Excavating.

Gary married Gloria Klimpel on May 15, 1959 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home on a farm in Surrey Township before moving to a farm in Norwich Township of McHenry County in 1966. They were the proud parents of three children and raised small grains as well as beef and dairy cattle. They discontinued milking the dairy cattle during the late 1980's, but Gary continued with raising the beef cattle and growing small grains.

Gary was a longtime member of Norwich Lutheran Church and served on its church council for several terms. He was a former member of the Granville School Board, Minot Farmers Elevator Board and Norwich Township Board. He especially enjoyed attending auction sales and coffee time in Surrey, Granville and Deering where he was easily identified in his red and white polka dot caps.

Gary's loving family includes his wife of fifty-seven years Gloria; children: Kimberly (Brad) Baker of Bellevue, ID; Lance Lenton and Marlen Lenton both of Minot; grandchildren: Levi Lenton, Ashley and Chance Pehrson and Elissa and Kaylee Baker; great grandchildren: Tinley and Oakley Pehrson; siblings: Bonita Olson of McVille and Rex (Linda) Lenton of rural Norwich; only living aunt: Ruby Mogard; in-laws: Audrey (Brian) Beck, Dennis (Karen) Klimpel, Debbie (Carl) Denkinger, Janice Klimpel and Jodi Klimpel and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ervin & Mae Klimpel,Thelma Klimpel, Luella (Mike) Tabak, Patricia (Harold) Hansen, George Klimpel, Jerry Klimpel, LaVerne Klimpel, Lyle Klimpel and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Celebration of the Life of Gary Lenton: Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot due to the size constraints of the Norwich Lutheran Church.

Graveside Service: Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in the Norwich Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation: Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.

Memorials are preferred to the Norwich Lutheran Church, Norwich Lutheran Cemetery, Granville American Legion or Granville Masonic Lodge.