Gorlyn Wohlk

Ryder

Gorlyn Wohlk, 80, Douglas, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Gorlyn Dean Wohlk was born Jan. 2, 1945, the son of Henry and Evelyth (Baker) Wohlk, in Minot.

He was raised and educated in the Ryder area, attending a one-room schoolhouse in rural Ryder through the sixth grade. He then attended school in Ryder, graduating in 1963.

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, then in Ft. Ord, CA and finally to AL where he served 18 months in Fairbanks before being honorably discharged as an E-5 in 1967.

He returned to Ryder after being discharged and met Diane Johnson. They were married on August 8, 1970. They lived in Ryder and then moved to Douglas, where he started farming and ranching.

Gorlyn and Diane were blessed with four children, Darci, Daryn, Darla, and Darnell, also known as, “The 4 D’s”. Gorlyn and Diane celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Fairbanks, AL. Diane sadly passed away in Dec. of 2005.

Gorlyn built the Douglas Pull Sled to help raise money for the Douglas Community Club then later for the Douglas Fire Department. He was very proud to be the Douglas Fire Chief for over 40 years. He did a lot of leg work to keep the department running effectively and keeping turnout gear, equipment, and trucks up to date.

He raised cattle on his farm. Anyone that knew him knows that if you weren’t tough before working cows with him, you sure were after!

He enjoyed building his own equipment, working on the farm, and was always willing to help neighbors and friends work on anything.

Gorlyn had a lot of connections, and he could visit with anyone, anywhere about anything. He once told us his goal was to be inducted into the Fireman’s Hall of Fame, his goal was achieved in Oct. of 2024. He was very proud to be a member of their honored group of people.

His loving family includes: children, Darci (Clarence) Behles, Daryn Wohlk, Darla (Derrick) Rasmussen, and Darnell Wohlk; grandchildren, Justin (Cassidy) Behles, Julie Behles, Devan Rasmussen, Dannika Rasmussen, and Dillan Rasmussen; great-granddaughter, Elliana Behles; brothers, Delroy Wohlk, and Lydell (Wendy) Wohlk; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce (Diane) Johnson, and Karen (Joel) Anderson; and numerous nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane; mother and father-in-law, Genevieve and Larry Johnson; brother, Marwin Wohlk; sister-in-law, Marilyn Wohlk; brothers-in-law, Ardell Johnson, Darrell Johnson, and Loren Johnson; nephews, Troy Wohlk, and Nathan Wohlk.

Visitation: Sunday, from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M., Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Funeral: Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ryder.

Interment: Rosehill Cemetery, Ryder.

Fellowship: Following the graveside service join the family at the Ryder Community Center.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ryder American Legion Post 99, Douglas Fire Department, or St. John’s Lutheran Church Ryder.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News on June 13, 2025.