John Gengler

A funeral Mass for John Gengler, 76, of Richardton, ND will be 10:00 a. m. , Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Father Boniface Muggli, OSB and Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB con-celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for John will be from 1:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. , Monday, July 6, 2015 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 7:00 p. m. John passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Richardton Health Center in Richardton, ND. John was born April 25, 1939 in Dickinson, the son of John F. and Esther (Hopfauf) Gengler. He grew up with 13 siblings, attended St. Joseph grade school and graduated in 1957 from the Abbey School. John continued his education in 1959 at Abbey Jr. College and in 1962 at Dickinson State College, earning his B. S. and B. A. in teaching. He began his teaching career in South Heart Public School from 1962 – 1964. He then went to Public Relations at the Assumption College (Abbey), working there until 1970. John’s next career move was serving as principal at Richardton High School until 2000. He then retired and continues to call Richardton his home. John enjoyed singing with the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus for 25 years from 1981-2006, with the highlight being singing at Carnegie Hall. He was awarded the Milken National Educators Award in 1983. Over the years John served on various state and local educational boards and was voted Principal of the Year for the state of North Dakota. He was an integral, active man in the community also serving as a Lions Club member where he served as secretary for over 40 years, was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir for over 48 years, and he was a song leader and soloist for hundreds of weddings and funerals since 1962. John was also very involved with the DSU Alumni and Booster Club, as well as a Richardton Raiders faithful fan. John is survived by his wife, Mary of Richardton; brothers, Mark (Deborah) of Albany, OR, James (Mary) of Fort Rice, ND, Robert of Dickinson, Chad (Cathy) of North Glenn, CO, and Mel (Keith Wosepka) of Sheridan, WY; sisters, Kathleen (Cliff Grad) Reisenauer of Dickinson, Claudia Zimmer of Omaha, NE, Paula (Roger) Cymbaluk of Williston, Ann (Van) Barker of Sioux City, IA, Esther Mary Gengler of Dickinson, Belinda (Bill) Suter of Beulah; sisters-in-law, Shirley and Patti; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Esther; and brothers, Tim and Fred Gengler. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Richardton or the Assumption Abbey.


Burial Date: July 7, 2015
Church St. Mary's Catholic Church

Funeral Mass: Tuesday, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, ND