Gerald Duane Best, the son of Harry O. and Nora C. (Mahle) Best was born on April 28^th, 1931 near Denbigh, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 82 years on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby.

Gerald was raised in the rural Denbigh/Towner area and completed his education in Towner.  He was united in marriage to Elsie Moen on May 5^th, 1949 at Zion Lutheran Parsonage in Towner, North Dakota.  To this union four children were born.  Gerald ranched most of his life and had a love for his cattle and horses.  He also worked for various ranchers and a few local gas stations. He was a shop foreman at McGuire’s in Rugby, did Seismograph work and worked on the Garrison Dam.  For thirty years he worked for the North Dakota State Board of Animal Health at various sale barns as a brucellosis back tagger.  He was a loving husband, devoted father, wonderful brother, caring grandfather and a great friend to many.  His grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren were very dear to him.  He thoroughly enjoyed visiting about the good’ol days and sharing his knowledge on fixing tractors, haying equipment, vehicles and anything else that would need fixing on the ranch.  He will be greatly missed.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elsie of Denbigh; a daughter, Gloria Coyne of Surrey; sons, Ronald (Marcia) and Galen (Lana) both of Denbigh;  grandchildren, Kim Dilley, Jon (Verna) Mahle, Gail (Terry) Mahle, Lynnette (Jesse) Vollmer, Scott (Melanie) Best, Anthony (Kristie) Best, Sutton Best and Ryan (Casey) Best; sixteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; a sister, Joyce (Pat) McKenzie of Rolette; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by one son, David Kent at birth; a son-in-law, John Coyne; and his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 4^th at Zion Lutheran Church in Towner with burial in the Union Cemetery, Towner.  Mr. Wally Fretland and Pastor Linda Wimmer, officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday with a time of prayer and sharing of memories at 7:00 p.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home, Towner.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Monday.