Serenity Jean Gebhardt

 Known for her amazing smile and lovable personality, our beautiful Serenity Jean Gebhardt, of Portland, ND, passed away unexpectedly while returning to Red Willow Bible Camp on June 11, 2024. She was 17 years old.

 Serenity was born in Fargo, ND, on June 16, 2006, to Nicole (Flaten) Midstokke and, Dustin Gebhardt. Serenity was a happy baby who was always full of life and love. When Serenity was four, Michael Midstokke came into her life and later became her stepdad.

 To know Serenity was to love her. And if you were in her life, she loved you too. She didn’t keep her love a secret, and that was one of the very best things about her. She had this incredible energy that radiated all around her. As an infant, she was always cooing and smiling—nobody could forget her little Billy-Goat laugh. As a child, Serenity was determined and strong-willed. She enjoyed playing dress-up, but not quite as much as she enjoyed caring for and nurturing animals. In her teens, her beautiful soul emerged as she grew into an honest and loyal young adult with a passion for life, justice, and God. She was the very best friend one could have the honor of meeting. Serenity loved eating lo Mein, listening to all music, playing D&D and board games, and just living life. Most of all, she loved spending time with those she shared her life with and kept her sisters, brothers, cousins, and others safely tucked under her wing as she led all who looked up to her by her shining example.

 Upon her graduation from May-Port CG High School on May 26, 2024, Serenity had ambitious plans to pursue Criminal Justice at Mayville State University, with a dream of becoming a detective. Her high school years were marked by active participation in various activities, including One Act Play, band, swing and honor choirs, football and basketball cheer teams, and the speech team. Her vibrant social life was a testament to the love she had for her friends, school, and community.

 Serenity was also very active in the church. She taught Sunday school, volunteered at events, contributed to the Board of Education meetings, helped with the Youth Group startup, mentored the middle school youth at the Castaway retreat, and often volunteered as a Youth Group student leader. It was hard to find an activity that she wasn’t involved with.

 Serenity spent her summers sharing the love of her Lord at Red Willow Bible Camp. She worked for two years as a camp counselor and returned this year as a camp coordinator. As a devoted worker, her absolute favorite place was at camp with her coworkers and campers.

 Serenity is survived by her mother, Nicole (Michael) Midstokke, her father, Dustin Gebhardt, sisters, Sophie Gebhardt, Kinsley Midstokke, and Alayna Gebhardt, brothers, Anthony Midstokke, Jordan Gebhardt, and Jace Gebhardt, grandmother, Lona (Brian Bjerke) Flaten, grandparents, Les and Jan Gebhardt, and grandmother, Sherry Midstokke, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends. She was welcomed into heaven by her infant sibling and two of the very best grandfathers, Anthony “Tony” Flaten and Lyle Midstokke.

  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Greta Paschke Scholarship Fund at May-Port CG High School or Red Willow Ministries in Binford, ND. 

Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 with a 6:30 PM Public Prayer Service at the Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at the Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Bruflat Cemetery in Portland, ND.