Gerald W. Bryn

Gerald “Jiggs” W. Bryn, 76 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at CHI, St. Alexius Hospital, Devils Lake.  Gerald was born on September 3, 1941 in Devils Lake, ND the son of Merton and June (Benson) Bryn. He grew up in Ramsey County and attended Pelican #4 School until it closed.  Pelican #4 was a one room school and at one time had 4 students and 3 of those students were Bryns.  Gerald then attended school in Devils Lake and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1960.  He entered the United States Air Force on June 14, 1960, proudly served his country in Alaska and California as an Aircraft Electrician Repairman. He was honorably discharged from active duty with the rank of Airman 2nd Class on June 12, 1964 and served with the Reserves until June 13, 1966.  Gerald remained in California after his discharge and continued as an aircraft mechanic. When he returned to North Dakota he attended Valley City State Teacher’s College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Biology. He worked as a substitute teacher with the Devils Lake School System and also helped on the family farm.  Farming soon became a full time job for Gerald, helping on the family farms; Rosie Ruger farm and eventually on the Bryn Homestead farm. He also served with the North Dakota Army National Guard with a stint in Germany.  He held a private pilot’s license and treasured many hours of flight.  Gerald loved the outdoors, hunting, golfing, fishing, enjoying the beauty and solitude of the mountains in Montana. He was a strong advocate of the Audubon Society and Sully’s Hill programs and events.  Gerald was a baptized and confirmed member of the Norway Lutheran Church and after it closed, he was a faithful member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, served as an usher, was the “man in charge” of the melted butter for all of the St. Olaf Lutefisk suppers and served on the Retreat Center Committee.   Jiggs had great faith, had a love of farming and enjoyed and treasured each and every day he was able to spend time with his family and the many friends he had made through the years in the Lake Region. Gerald was a gentle soul and never uttered a bad word about anyone.  Gerald is survived by his loving family. His brothers and sisters-in-law Jim and Vicky Bryn of Reno, Nevada and Bob and Monica Bryn of Billings, Montana; nephews and nieces Eric (Carrie) Bryn, Missy (Jim) Troup; June (Dave) Anderson, Jim (Becky) Bryn; Jake (Sara) Thompson, Ryan Thompson; brother-in-law Scott Thompson; uncles Ray Bryn, Devils Lake and Richard Benson, Arizona; aunt Sharon Henke, Devils Lake; great nieces, great nephews; a great great niece and several cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Julie Bryn Thompson. Funeral Services for Gerald will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 28th from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake and will continue on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.Casket Bearers will be Gerald's nephews Jim Bryn, Eric Bryn, Jake Thompson, Ryan Thompson and his cousins Gary Bryn, Duane Moen and Ron Soper.