Dr. Gerald R. Florence, 91, longtime Velva area Dentist and civic leader died on Sunday, February 11, 2018 in a Velva care center.

Gerald Rinde Florence was born on January 15, 1927 in Edinburgh, ND to Oscar and M. Evelyn Florence. He was raised in Fargo for three years and then Minot where he attended school and graduated from Minot High School in 1944. While in high school he was active and excelled in sports. He attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE prior to serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Minnesota from 1947 until 1952 and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree.

Gerald married Geraldine Heggerston on September 16, 1951 at Sacred Heart, Minnesota. Following his graduation from dental school they lived in Minot for 1.5 years prior to his establishing a dental practice in Velva in 1954. He and his family participated in a World Brotherhood Exchange to Madagascar where he did dental work from July of 1968 to February of 1969. Dr. Florence transferred his Velva dental practice to his son, Jon, in 1994 and he retired following 42 years of service.

Dr. Florence was an active member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church where he served three terms as President of the congregation and was a member of the building committee for the present church. He was active in Metigoshe Ministries serving as co-chairman of the capital campaign when the Christian Center was built in 1970 and was a committee member when the Center of Life building was built. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1994-1995. Also, he served two terms on the Board of the Concordia College.

An active member of his community, his service as the secretary of Velva Park Board for more than a decade highlighted that service. An Eagle Scout in his youth, Jerry served as a Boy Scout leader and on the Velva Scout Committee for more than 30 years. He received several awards for his service to that organization. He was a charter member of the Velva Jaycees and Lions and was chairman of the Community Betterment organization. Also, he was active in the PTA, American Legion, Association of Commerce and was a passionate fan of all activities related to sports in Velva.

Professionally, he was a longtime member of the regional, state and national dental associations and served as President of the state association in 1980-1981. He was elected to the American and International Colleges of Dentists and was a member of the Christian Dental Society.

He especially enjoyed fishing, bowling, hunting, golfing, photography, making jewelry and spending time at Lake Metigoshe.

Jerry's loving family includes his wife of 66 years: Geraldine; daughters: Julaine Florence of St. Louis MO, Kari Ann (Paul) Dunderland of Bottineau, Mary Lynn (Mark) Berntson of Grand Forks and Sara Jane Anderson of Beaver Dam WI; daughter-in-law: Kristin Florence (Tom) Bodine of Velva; grandchildren: Benjamin, Aaron, Hannah, Chelsie, Michael, Nathan, Kayla, Jordan, Rebecca, Bryce, Greta and Gage and great grandchildren: Oliver, Evelyn, Gretchen, Bode and Bridger.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger and son Jon.

Celebration of the Life of Dr. Gerald Florence: Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.
Interment will be in the Velva Community Cemetery.
Visitation: Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Oak Valley Lutheran Church.
Memorials are preferred to Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Metigoshe Ministries or Boy Scouts of America.