Gerald Banzet, 88

Gerald Walter Banzet has decided that 88 years on this earth was enough and has gone to rejoin his beloved wife of over 60 years, Joyce, to spend more time with the angels. And probably play some cribbage with Jesus, do some team penning and throw some horseshoes.

Born in 1937 in the heart of Kansas, he grew up on a farm and kept that farmer’s common sense — integrity and a deep sense of right and wrong. He had a commitment to the people he cared about most, which turned out to be almost everyone he met. Dad’s life was defined by service to others; he was always watching for those who needed a little help — and he would give it. He would join his posse at Sykes to tackle world problems over biscuits, gravy, the "good coffee" and pie while plotting how to make sure that a single mom had her car repaired, a young man got a chance at a job, or a child got the medical care they needed. Having those lengthy discussions also gave Dad the opportunity for more pie.

He had large, weathered hands that he used to protect and support his family, raise two sons and a daughter and encourage and strengthen others. Everyone knew where Dad stood, always. He and Mom provided a safe, loving, stable and nurturing home life, providing shelter against whatever storms life would throw at us. We know how remarkable our upbringing was. 

He had a sense of humor that defined "Dad" jokes. He loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. It didn’t matter how many times he had told a joke; he would delight in telling it again. And again.

He did a little bit of everything, ultimately running his tire business in Kalispell. When he decided to retire, that business followed him home. It wasn’t unusual for us to come home to Dad out in the shop fixing someone’s tires while Mom sat in chairs she set up so she could chat and have coffee with the customers. I have met many people I didn’t know yet weren’t strangers because of the time they had spent in Dad’s shop. What is often a stressful time — having to pay for tires or a car breaking down — often became a personal, warm experience. He and Mom were genuinely interested in you, whoever you were. 

Later, as he slowed down, he would marvel at the things he could no longer do — yet still doing more than most. Even as it got very difficult to move around, he would have us help him on and off the lawn mower or tractor, because those jobs were his domain, no one else’s. 

As age took its toll, he still did what he could. After a fall, he asked for some dumbbells to work on his upper body strength and was soon surpassing physical therapist’s expectations. He was determined to get out of rehabilitation, looking forward to getting to grandkids sporting events, meeting his great-granddaughter, Ms. Claire Rae Rohr, or just collaborating to save the world one pie at a time at Sykes. 

He died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind grateful children, Clinton, Mike and wife Debra, and Jennifer; his cherished grandchildren, Michael, Shane and Jessica; Sara and Michael (again); and Sophie, Dylan, Olivia and Jordan. He recently gained his first great-grandchild, Ms. Claire Rae Rohr, but could not meet her in person. She will be missing out. We will miss you, Dad. Give Mom a hug from all of us. 

A service will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 10 at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Drive, Kalispell.