Gerald Benjamin Dezell, 82, of Staples, died, Oct. 5, 2009 in the St. Cloud Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Staples United Methodist Church. Burial will follow services at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Gerald was born Jan. 31, 1927, to Benjamin and Eda (Nelson) Dezell in Staples. On March 10, 1950, he married Ethel Marie Reineke in Clarissa. He was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad for nearly 20 years, owned and operated HiWay Lanes bowling alley, and worked as an optician for Benson Optical until his retirement. Gerald then took great pleasure in the many years he served as custodian for the United Methodist Church.

He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, pitching horseshoes, bowling, squaredancing, gardening and playing cards with family and friends. He was an avid Staples High School sports fan.

Gerald is survived by his wife, four sons, Gary (Florance), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Craig (Janell), Annandale, Kevin (Jeannie), Staples; Mike (Gina), Sartell; 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters, Karen (Fred Huebner), Staples; LuJean (Mark Ruel), Osseo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Norma Jean Anderson; and one brother, Gordon Dezell.

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