Ferdinand W. Langhorst, 94, of Barnum, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake.
He was born March 13, 1915, in Barnum Township, the 9th child of Christoph and Anna (Huebner) Langhorst. Ferdinand graduated from the 8th grade at Central School, Barnum. He was confirmed in the first confirmation class at Elim Lutheran Church of Blackhoof Township. Ferdinand was united in marriage to Shirley Hill on September 3, 1949 in Barnum Township. Ferdinand worked in CC Camps as a teen and helped with the development of Silver Bay, planting hundreds of trees and making roads. Ferdinand entered the Cavalry on July 15, 1941 as one of the last horse soldiers, riding, breaking and caring for horses. He became a tank commander of the 776th, commanding a Mark IV amphibious tank in combat in the southern Philippines and Okinawa. Ferdinand directed the activities of the other crew members in employing the tank as a tactical weapon against enemy troops. He was awarded 2 Battle Stars on the Asiatic-Pacific, Theatre Ribbons as well as many other medals. Ferdinand was discharged on January 9, 1946. He also worked as a section hand on the Soo Line Railroad for 3 ½ years prior to WW II and again following the war for more than 30 years, retiring in May of 1975. Ferdinand attended Zion Lutheran Church, St. Peter's Lutheran Church and Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Barnum. Ferdinand was an avid hunter and woodsman and especially enjoyed the Nemadji River Country as a state bounty trapper. He was a proud member of the NRA, loved horses and dogs and enjoyed card games with family and friends. Ferdinand was a great historian and story teller. He cut and sold boughs and Christmas trees for many years and also built 7 log cabins and numerous playhouses for grandkids and pets. He loved taking his dogs in the woods on his 4-wheeler. Ferdinand was also known for his large potato patches.

Ferdinand is preceded in death by his parents; 3 children, Leslie Benson, Charles Langhorst and Robin Langhorst; brothers, Albert, Edwin, Martin, Arthur and Henry; sisters, Lydia Koelling, Amelia Westendorf, Alma Westendorf and Edna Bartz.

Ferdinand is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Langhorst of Barnum; 2 daughters, Linda (Emil) Laine of Kettle River and Crystal (Terry) Luomanen of Barnum; 1 son, Jon (Sara) Langhorst of Barnum; 17 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; son-in-law, Wally Benson of Barnum; daughters-in-law, Vickey (Carmen) Milczark of Barnum and Janet (Mike) Adelsgruber of Kettle River; many nieces and nephews; dogs, Millie and Marvin.

Visitation was held on Saturday, September 12, 2009, from Noon until the 1 PM Service in Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Barnum. Interment was in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Barnum. We (Ferdinand's wife and family) thank God for blessing us with this wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. To sign the guestbook online go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.