Gerald Deane Sechrist, 91, Minneapolis, died Thursday, March 1, 2018 at the Salina Regional Health Center while being surrounded by his family. He was born January 23, 1927 in Ottawa County to Otto and Mary Rosina (Stirn) Sechrist.

Gerald was a 1946 graduate of Ada High School. He and Jeanne Bradbury were united in marriage on May 21, 1951. Gerald was a retired farmer and truck driver as well as a loving dad, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer "Curly" Sechrist and sister, Marva Gene Sechrist.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Jeanne; daughters, Avanel Schneweis and husband Eric and Ardel Helget and husband Pat; granddaughters, Ashley and Macy Schneweis; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; siblings, Gary Sechrist and wife June, Melba Clanton and Bill Clanton, and Sandy Powell and husband George; sister-in-law, Dorothy Sechrist; and special nephew, Jim Sechrist and wife Amber.

It was Gerald's wishes to be cremated. Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 10 at Fairview Cemetery, Ada. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ada Community Center, Ottawa County Health Center, or the Antioch Baptist Church.