George Kerzman, age 80, of Valley City, ND, died Saturday, March 29th at SMP Health-St. Raphael in Valley City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 2nd at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1st from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the church. Inurnment will be in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery. An online guestbook and livestream of George’s service will be available at www.lerudmathias.com.
George Henry Kerzman, age 80, was born on July 27, 1944 in Bismarck, ND, to George F. and Stella (Thiel) Kerzmann. He was Baptized, received his First Communion and Confirmation at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Garrison, ND. He grew up on a farm near White Shield, ND. He attended and graduated from White Shield High School in 1962. During and after high school he worked various construction jobs. George joined the US Army in October of 1963. He served 3 years in Germany in Communications as a cryptographic operator and was honorably discharged in October, 1966. He started working with BNSF Railroad in 1967 in the Communications Department , worked as a Lineman and was a Foreman. George worked for 37 years and retired in 2004. In 1967, George met Darlene Geiger in Glendive, MT. They were married on November 8, 1969, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Glendive, MT. To this union were born four children. They spent the first five years traveling with George & crew on the railroad across MT, WY, MN and ND. They settled in Valley City, ND in 1976. They became members of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church at this time. George loved sports and was an avid fan of the MN Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves. He also enjoyed playing pinochle, dancing, fishing and hunting. He had quite a passion for the yardwork and gardening. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren as they were in their sport activities and spending time with family for get togethers. He liked teasing and playing practical jokes on anyone. Every acquaintance and all co-workers were given a nickname.
George is survived by his wife of 55 years, Darlene; his sons Monte (LeAnn) Kerzman, Shawn (Becky Mosier) Kerzman and his daughter Michelle (Austin) Richards; and several
grandchildren and great grandchildren; His brothers, Ronald Kerzman and Nick (Cheryl) Kerzman; his sisters, Rozann Richter and Mary Lou (Brad) Carlson; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, infant child Mary Margaret, a brother Jerry Kerzmann, a sister-in-law Janice Kerzmann and brother-in-law Art Richter and a niece, Jessica Weise.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Catherine School, TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), REACH or the Veterans’ Associations or your favorite charity.