Gerhardt Wilhelm Loeffelbein, 84, Minot, formerly of Zap, ND, died Tuesday, July 2, 2013 in a Minot Hospital.

Gerhardt was born October 28, 1928 north of Zap, North Dakota, to George and Ella (Goetz) Loeffelbein. He was raised on the family farm near Zap and educated in country schools. After completing the eighth grade he assisted with the operation of the family farm. On October 12, 1950 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Reiner in Zap.

After several years working throughout North Dakota, they moved to Chicago where he worked in the construction industry while he attended Greer School of Trades earning his degree in mechanics. Gerhardt and Carolyn moved to Minot in 1957 and Gerhardt was employed by Krebsbach's Implement Company. In 1978 he was employed as a pipefitter through the North Dakota Pipefitter's Union travelling extensively as a pipefitter until retiring in 1992 . After retiring, Gerhardt and Carolyn enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

Gerhardt was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot, the Golden K Kiwanis Club, and the local Pipefitter's Union #300. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and woodworker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ivan and sister, Esther.

Gerhardt's loving family includes , wife of 62 years, Carolyn Loeffelbein of Minot, daughters, Linda (Pat) Lynch, Helena, MT and JoAnn (Dean) Glasoe, Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Kellie (Steve) Guariglia, Mitch (Heather) Lynch, Melissa (Corey) Helgeson and Eric (Kathleen) Glasoe; great-granddaughters, Kendra, Payton and Isabella.

Funeral service : Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Friday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials to the Minot Area Community Foundation - Special Project for Children or the Minot Public Library Children's Fund.