Fada Garbe, age 98 of Bottineau, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at a Bottineau nursing home. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center. Visitation will be on Monday from noon until 5:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Burial will be at the Salem Lutheran Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Metigoshe Lutheran church.

Fada was born on September 19th, 1927, in Cando, North Dakota, to George and Mildred (Weiker) Gerrard. Fada attended school in Cando and, after graduating, moved to Bottineau to attend nursing school. While there, she met the love of her life, Raymond Garbe, who had recently returned from military service following World War II and was attending the School of Forestry. The couple married on August 22, 1948.

After a brief time in Bottineau, where they operated a service station, Fada and Ray moved to Minot in 1949. Ray worked for and later became a partner in Beeline Service. Fada devoted many years to caring for others as a nurses' aide and later as a psychiatric ward clerk. She retired in 1985, and she and Ray fulfilled their dream of moving to Lake Metigoshe. They welcomed two sons: Terry in 1949 and Robert in 1955.

Ray's service with the North Dakota National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve took the family on several military assignments, including Fort Lewis, Washington, during the Korean War, and Fort Riley, Kansas, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Family summers were often spent at military camps, first at Camp Grafton near Devils Lake and later at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Fada and Ray were active members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and VFW Auxiliary, each holding numerous local and state offices throughout the years. They were also longtime members of Metigoshe Lutheran Church. Together, they enjoyed camping, traveling, and attending their grandchildren's activities and events. Above all, they cherished their time at Lake Metigoshe, a place that brought them great joy and countless treasured memories.

Fada was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She expressed her love through hospitality, especially in the kitchen, where she found great pleasure in cooking, baking, and feeding others. Her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered by all who knew her.

Fada was blessed with many dear friendships throughout her life, including a special friendship with Lloyd Larshus. Lloyd was a faithful companion on many trips to church, Sunday dinners, and the concert series. His kindness, friendship, and willingness to help meant a great deal to Fada and her family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful, caring staff at Good Sam and H.I.A. Hospice. Thank you to Pastor Cole and Pastor Carol for your loving support. There are angels among us.

Fada is survived by her sons, Terry (Janet Perry) Garbe of Melbourne, FL and Robert (Kathy) Garbe of Lake Metigoshe; 6 grandchildren, Alan (Lindsey) Packulak, Stephen (Julie) Packulak, Cassandra Garbe, Keith Garbe, Jay (Beth) Garbe and Stephanie (Al) Tilman; 11 great-grandchildren; long time special friend, Lloyd Larshus; sisters, Jeannine Anderson, Evelyn King, Bonnie Sampel, Mildred Anderson and Gail Roller and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lois Covington, Naomi Chromy, Carol Tupa, Wayne Gerrard, Ronald Gerrard, George Gerrard and Joyce Nelson.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register bok at www.nerofuneralhome.net.