August 21, 2013

Jerry Bratsberg


Jerry Bratsberg, a long time resident of Alexander, N.D., passed away Aug. 16, 2013, under the care of Trinity Hospital, Minot N.D., surrounded by special friends.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alexander. Pastor Kevin Beard will officiate. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be held at a later date at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, N.D.
Jerry Donald Bratsberg was born May 16, 1940, to Henry Bratsberg and Anita (Daleiden) Bratsberg at Portal, N.D., and was later baptized into the Trinity Lutheran Church, Alexander. He attended school in Alexander, N.D., from 1946-1949 and graduated with a High School Diploma from Riverdale, N.D., in 1958. In years following Jerry enlisted in the army in April 1964 and was honorably discharged in May 1968, with a ranking of PVT E-1.  While in the Army, he received decoration awards of Expert in Rifle and Carbine.
Jerry worked for Frederick and his sister Marilyn James at their farm/ranch where he learned to work with horses and cattle. Jerry also worked for Cenex as a truck driver and in the warehouse, even after retiring from Cenex he continued to keep himself busy. He drove for Green Trucking, ran the local café “Jerry’s Place” for a few years, and spent some time running the Ragged Butte Inn Motel. Jerry was a contract mail carrier for the USPS in Alexander and drove the school bus and activity bus for several years for the Alexander Public School which he enjoyed immensely.
During and after retiring Jerry had many hobbies that he enjoyed. Jerry loved woodworking; taking it upon himself to make benches for the many children that were born in Alexander and for his nieces and nephews. He gave each a special touch by personalizing each bench with their names.
For a short time he dabbled in raising Shar Pei Dogs. Jerry also loved raising and showing miniature horses.  He often traveled to many different places winning awards with his most prized horse Comanche War Dance.  Jerry was very proud of all his horses that he had shown and would donate a miniature horse for the Lil’ Wrangler Rodeo each year.
Jerry enjoyed his many trips spending time with nieces and nephews, going to Miniature Horse shows, exotic and auction sales where he would catch up with the many friends he made along the way. He helped out on occasion by hauling silage corn for Kit James and looked forward to cutting hay and baling with Kurt Fixen each spring. Jerry truly enjoyed spending time at the lake with friends, fishing, visiting and reading western novels. He loved to attend the sporting activities, rodeos and events of nieces, nephews and friends.  He traveled to watch the National Finals Rodeo for the last few years. Jerry started his mornings by drinking coffee and enjoying conversation with the locals at the round table. He had an infectious laugh and great smile. It was the simple things in life that Jerry enjoyed most.
Jerry is survived by his children, Garnet Bratsberg and Troy Bratsberg both of Sidney, Mont., and Dusty Bratsberg of Alexander, N.D.; sister, Marilyn  James and brother, Kenneth Bratsberg both of Williston, N.D.; nieces and nephew, Kathy (Jess) James, Kit (Tammy) James, Bonnie (Dennis) Guenther, Sherri (Ray) Tracy and their families; and by his special friends, Jim and Rae Fixen, Doug Fixen, Kurt (Barbara) Fixen, Kent (Carrie) Fixen and their families.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Henry Bratsberg; mother, Anita Allenstein; step-father, Walter Allenstein; brothers, Gordon and Jack Bratsberg; niece, Mary Lou Lund; and numerous aunts, uncles and in-laws.  
Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Williston at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.
Friends may share memories and condolences with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER