The funeral service for Gerald “Gerry” E. Gamrath 82, Valley City, North Dakota will be 11:00 am Friday, December 6, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm, Thursday, December 5 at Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City with a prayer service at 7 pm. Visitation will continue one hour before the funeral service at the church. He passed away peacefully Saturday, November 30, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Gerry was born on October 14, 1942, in Opheim, Montana to Cleora “Pat” (Durbin) and Dwight Gamrath. He attended school in Richey, Montana until the family moved to Valley City, North Dakota in 1954.
Gerry met Mary Ann Musch while cruising Central Avenue in Valley City. Mary Ann had a job at the Omwick Theater and Gerry had a love of popcorn – it was meant to be!
In high school, Gerry was “excused” from choir and thus spent extra time in shop class. This fostered his love for woodworking. Gerry wrestled as a Hi-Liner and graduated in 1960. He attended NDSU where he studied pharmacy and wrestled as a Bison. He was a member of the Kappa Psi Pharmacy Fraternity.
Gerry and Mary Ann were married December 29, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valley City. Gerry graduated from NDSU in 1965, and they returned to Valley City to make their home. Gerry and Mary Ann were blessed with three children Tim, Tammy and Tanya.
Gerry started his career in pharmacy at Foss Drug in Valley City. In 1973, the family moved to Moorhead, Minnesota to manage Foss Drug at the Moorhead Center Mall, the first space age pharmacy. In 1982, Gerry and Mary Ann chased their dreams to Baker, Montana when they purchased Lawler Drug. For 27 years Gerry could be found at the drug store counting pills, answering the phone and visiting with customers, many of whom became friends.
Gerry’s love of woodwork continued throughout his life. He taught wood working classes while in Baker. His family and friends will forever enjoy many handmade gifts.
Gerry and Mary Ann retired in 2009. Summers were spent fishing; falls were meant for NDSU football (proud NDSU Team Makers!) and winters were for cheering on the grandchildren.
Gerry is preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Jo Pedersen, brothers in law Bill Cresap, Bob Fearing, Norm Pedersen, Jim Ferris and granddaughter Calley Anne.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; son Tim (Kristin) of St. Michael, Minnesota, daughter Tammy (Steve) Armstrong of Castle Rock, Colorado and daughter Tanya (Paul) Diegel of Valley City; grandchildren Courtney (JP) Perpich, Jacob Armstrong, Cade (Savannah) Gamrath, Danica (Vanessa) Johnson, Dierra Diegel, Nicole Armstrong, Carly (Jerron) McDonald, Derrek Diegel, Dylann Jo Diegel and Lily Rudnick; and his great grandchildren Mac Perpich, Mara Perpich, Elliott Johnson, Everlee Johnson, and Aubree Gamrath. Gerry is also survived by his siblings Moni Cresap, Pat Fearing, Wayne Gamrath and Karen Ferris.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com