Victor Gelking
June 7, 1927 ~ July 18, 2022
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Victor Louis Gelking of Fargo, ND passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was 95 years old.
Victor was born in Minot, ND on June 7, 1927 to Louis and Helen Gelking. He attended Minot schools until enlisting in the Marines at age 17. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA until his discharge following the end of the war. During his military service, he began taking dance lessons, sparking what would become a lifelong love for dancing.
Victor then moved to Bremerton, WA, where he worked in the shipyards until returning to his home town of Minot, ND, where he began working for the railroad full-time, as well as, taking flying lessons under the GI bill. He continued his flight training, eventually obtaining his private, commercial, twin engine and flight instructor ratings.
In June of 1951, he married his first wife, Gloria Susak. They made their home in Minot, ND where they raised 4 daughters together.
In 1956, he opened two businesses with his wife Gloria: Minot Aircraft Sales & Flight School and Victor’s Dance Studio, while maintaining his mainstay job as a Railroad Brakeman Conductor. Whenever he wasn’t flying or dancing, his friends and family could find him playing basketball, golfing, fishing, or water skiing.
In 1980 he moved from Minot to Fargo where he continued to work for the railroad until his retirement in 1989 at the age of 62. He brought with him his love of flying and dancing – opening Victors Dance Studio and Vics Aircraft Sales in Fargo. In 1989, he married his wife, Sylvia Rue.
His passion for dancing and flying was unwavering until retiring both of his businesses at the age of 91.
Victor loved his family and is survived by his wife, Sylvia; sister, Lorraine Harris (Don); daughters, Debra Cunningham, Vicki Holler, Sherry Carpenter, Nancy Naylor, (Jim); grandchildren, Jordan Cunningham (Shauna), Jared Cunningham (deceased), Brittany Roman (Jesse), Austin Cunningham (Courtney), Dustin Holler, Cody Holler, Courtney Carpenter (Travis) Olivia Naylor, Logan Naylor, and Dylan Naylor; great grandchildren, Eliana, Celeste, Tyler, and Ryder Cunningham; Isabelle and Everly Roman; Rowan, Carter, Brady Cunningham; cousin, Luana Vetter; and 4 nephews and 4 nieces.
Victor was preceded in death by his Mother Helen, Father Louis, infant brother Lloyd, and grandson, Jared Cunningham.
Donations can be made in Victor’s memory to Alzheimers Association, American Heart Association or Fargo Air Museum.
Services
Visitation - Sunday: July 24, 2022 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Prayer Service: July 24, 2022 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation - Monday: July 25, 2022 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral: July 25, 2022 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Victor was a very nice person. He is Grandpa to two of my nephews. So sorry and prayers to the family. Harriet Hansen Holler
Like your father…you do have a compassionate empathetic heart.
Unforgettable. He taught dance at Concordia back in the 90’s. I took it as my PE class. He didn’t just teach the steps but helped young people understand the grace and showmanship of each dance. He was always dressed to the 9’s and ready to grab any available person and whisk them around the floor.
I have known Victor since 1981. We share the same love for dancing and I was part of his performing dance team for some time. He taught me a couple of dance moves and he borrowed a couple of my steps too. Victor gave me flying lessons in 2 & 4 seater planes. I helped him fix-up and detail several planes. Victor always had great stories and everyone knew about him and John Wayne. There are countless
unforgettable memories. He will be truly missed. Thank you Victor for your service to our country and community. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family; but especially to Sylvia, Vicki, Nancy and Gloria.
Have known Vic many years.Prayers to the family. Special. Love to Cdy and Dustinfrmthe Holler family. HarrietHansenHoer
My thoughts prayers & heartfelt sympathy go out to the Victor Gelking family. It was a memorable joyful experience learning & teaching for Victor at his dance studio & having fun dancing socially with other instructors. He was a very ambitious soft spoken talented kind hearted patient & inspiring man. Rest in peace. May God send His blessings of peace love faith hope & strength to his family.
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I think of Vic and how many young pilots he inspired and supported. I also was so impressed by how gracious he was by opening his doors to people in need. He will be missed by many. Rest In Peace sir. Thank you for your service and all the good community care.
I’m the new Dean of the College of human Sciences and Education at NDSU. I’m told that Victor taught ballroom dancing for our college for many years. My assistant tells me that he was a great person. He is leaving behind a great legacy!
Vic gave me my first flying lesson when I was 22. His unhurried methodical style is what allowed him to fly until 91 years. I try to implement that so that I too will be able to live a long healthy productive career and life just like he did.
I’ve been an airline pilot for 15 years. Ten years as a captain, and one year as an instructor flying with the new pilots. I have fond memories of spending lots of time at Vic’s Aircraft.
God Bless ya old friend
!
When I heard the news, I couldn’t believe it. Your father was such a go getter, I thought he would live forever. My heart breaks for you! Your father was an amazing man! All of his accomplishments in his lifetime must make you so very proud. The memories you have are what will keep him close to you. The joyful thoughts you have will lift your spirits. We will smile when we think of him, his wit, his charm, his love for his family. Take time to grieve, but know in your heart that the Lord called him home. Feel comfort knowing that.❤️