Gerald Alvin Van Bruggen, 94, of Jamestown died on Friday, April 2, 2021 at Ave Maria Village in Jamestown, ND.
Gerald was born August 17, 1926 the son of Ben and Gertrude (Lengkeek) Van Bruggen on a farm near Montpelier, ND. He attended seven years of school in the Manns School. In 1938, they moved to a farm north of Marion, ND where he completed the 8th grade at Clark City School in Meadowlake Township, Barnes County.
He married Janet Matilda Bartell on July 12, 1957 in Litchville, ND. Gerald farmed with his father on the home place until 1985 when his parents moved into Litchville. After, he continued farming with his sons. He was on the Barnes County Improvement board, and Sunday School Treasurer in the North Marion Reformed Church. In 1994 he moved to Jamestown, but continued helping on the farm when needed. He joined the First Church of the Nazarene. He was a member of the Montpelier OK Club. Gerald enjoyed traveling on bus tours around the USA. He enjoyed volunteering at the Frontier Village, visiting with people as they came from all parts of the world. He also liked playing pinochle.
Children included twins, Warren (Cheri) of Marion and Wanda (Keith) Kirsch of New Leipzig, ND; Merlin (Dianna) of Marion, Rodney (Sharon) of Fargo, Jeanine (John) Kemp of Burlington, IA, Brian J (Margaret) of TX, grandchildren: Shawn (Tiahna) Kirsch, Heidi (Jesse) Braunagel, Ben Kirsch, Cy (alison) Kirsch, Joy Kemp, Jeremy (Emily) Kemp, Isaac, Luke, and Philip Van Bruggen, Brian A and Lonnette Van Bruggen, Janessa (Christopher) Kennedy, Clarissa (Hayden) Zander, Rochelle, Skyler, and Cara Van Bruggen, Alan Van Bruggen, great-grandchildren: Madison Eileen Kirsch, Josiah Wade Kirsch, Aria Cait Kirsch, Michelle Anne Kennedy, and Jacob Doanld Kennedy, sister, Arlene Vahl of Edgerton, MN and brother-in-law, Harvey Kluvers of Mesa, AZ.
Gerald is preceded in death by parents, Harold Vahl, Darlene Kluvers, Virgil Vahl, Gregory Brouwer, Miranda Brouwer, Cheryl Vahl, and Alvin Vande Brake.
Visitation: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Eddy Funeral Home.
Prayer Service: 7:00 PM Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Eddy Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Kraemer officiating.
Funeral Service: 10:30 AM Friday, April 9, 2021 at 1st Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jim Kraemer officiating.
Burial: North Marion Reformed Church Cemetery, Marion, ND.
Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home.
