Service Update:

Services are being planned for Sunday July 9, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the McClusky Seventh-day Adventist Church with interment in the Denhoff Cemetery.

Michael Gesellchen, a beloved resident of Goodrich, ND, left this world peacefully on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving family.

Services are being planned for Sunday July 9, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the McClusky Seventh-day Adventist Church with interment in the Denhoff Cemetery.

He was born on March 13, 1942 in Bismarck, ND to Michael and Lydia (Moser) Gesellchen. Michael was the eighth child of nine and grew up in Denhoff, ND where he enjoyed playing basketball and spending time in the great outdoors, fishing and hunting with his brothers and father. He attended Denhoff Public School and excelled as a basketball player, starting varsity as a point guard in 7th grade. Michael graduated from Denhoff Public School in 1960, which marked the last graduating class from Denhoff.  After graduation, Michael married his high school sweetheart, Delilah Dockter on November 20, 1960 in Denhoff, and they soon moved to Bismarck. They later decided to relocate to Goodrich, ND where they raised their four children. Michael was an integral part of the farming community in Goodrich, where he worked at the Goodrich Farmers Elevator for 46 years, first as an assistant manager, then as a manager, until he retired in 2009. He was an active member of the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department for 43 years and also served as the Mayor of Goodrich for several terms.

Mike had a variety of hobbies, which included playing softball, darts, horseshoes, pinochle, and dominoes. He was also an expert at beating his grandkids in washers. But more than anything, Mike loved spending time outdoors, camping and fishing with family, and deer hunting with his sons and grandsons.

Michael is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delilah of Goodrich; his daughter, Carlene (Tim) Adolf of Bismarck; three sons, Kalon (Danna) of Seale, Alabama, Dean (Barb) of Bismarck, and Michael "Scott" of Goodrich; nine grandchildren and four great-granddaughters; his sister, Norma Helmer of Lynwood, WA, and brother, George (Glenda) of Gilbert, AZ.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jackie, Adeline, Marlene, and Darlene; brothers, Vernon and Harold; five brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

Michael will be remembered as a devoted family man, an active member of his community, and a kind-hearted friend to all who knew him. His passing is a great loss to the community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.