Benjamin Gerald Copes, 95, of Tioga, ND, passed away peacefully at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND on Sunday morning August 27, 2023. Gerald was blessed with good health and a sharp mind, able to remember details of past events to the amazement of those who knew him. He remained in his own home, living independently until the time of his passing.

Gerald was born on May 28, 1928, in Warden, Louisiana, to Ben and Mattie Copes. He graduated from Delhi High School in 1946. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 22, 1946, for 5 years. He was honorably discharged on November 15, 1951. He then began working for Kelley Coppedge, INC in Delhi, Louisiana. Five months later he was transferred to the Tioga, ND, office arriving in April 1952 after the discovery of oil in the area. He quickly rose to become the general manager in the Tioga District where he remained until his retirement in April of 1987.

Gerald met the love of his life, Evelyn Peterson, an elementary teacher at a Tioga basketball game in 1957. They were married in Williston on July 19, 1959. They were blessed to have 62 years of a close and loving marriage until Evelyn’s passing on September 3, 2021. They had two daughters, Carolyn and Nancy, 16 months apart. The four of them enjoyed annual summer vacations driving to Gerald’s home in Louisiana to visit his family.

Gerald loved and honored his parents by purchasing farm equipment for their cotton farm and building a new brick home for them to enjoy. Gerald and Evelyn spent several months each year after their retirement in that same home.

Gerald had many interests which included participating in and watching a variety of sports. In 1973 he won the state singles bowling championship. He pulled chains at the Tioga football games as part of the “Chain Gang” for 40 years until he was 85 years old. He was on the Tioga Medical Center Board for 12 years. He was a member of the Tioga Country Club. He was president of Tioga Senior Citizens and helped deliver meals. Gerald was an active member of Zion Free Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee for several years and assisted with many construction projects.

Gerald is survived by his daughters: Carolyn (Kermit) Berge of Larimore, ND, and Nancy (Brian) Rice of White Earth, ND. Nine grandchildren: Christina (Jeff) Winslow, Williston, ND; Micah (Julia) Berge, Reynolds, ND; Joshua (Rachel) Berge, Hutchinson, MN; Andrew (Brenna) Berge, Kindred, ND; Katie (Chris) Papillon, Larimore, ND; Carrie (Chris) Coker, San Antonio, TX; Ben Eder, Minot, ND; Gracia Eder, Williston, ND; and Greta (Meriel) Lora, Williston, ND. Three step grandchildren: Tiffanie (Dave) Finstrom, White Earth, ND; Jeremie (Amber) Rice, Minot, ND; Bethanie (Daniel) Letch, White Earth, ND. 12 great-grandchildren with another one on the way and 10 step-great-grandchildren. Sisters-in-law: Ilene Orluck, Williston, ND; Merilyn Grosshans, Las Vegas, NV; De-Ette Copes, Delhi, LA; plus many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn Copes, his sister Lorraine Nappier, his brother Lonnie Copes, several brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws and one step-grandson, Elijah Finstrom.

All of Gerald’s family and friends knew him as a gentle, kind and caring man, who loved and honored God. He lived a full life until he took his last breath. He will be missed by all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.