Gerald H. Stutrud

Gerald H. Stutrud, 94, McVille, ND, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Nelson County Health System Hospital in McVille.

Gerald was born in Rawson, ND on December 15, 1928 to Thorlief and Viola (Anderson) Stutrud.  Gerald was a life-long resident of McVille.  Gerald married Loy Stein on June 2, 1951 in Tacoma, WA.  Together they raised five children.  Gerald was dedicated to care for his wife and children.  He was a story-teller.  His family loved to gather round and listen to his McVille area tales.  The couple had the opportunity to travel frequently.  Samoa and Spain were two of many favorite locations they visited.  Gerald played on the high school basketball team.  He was humble, never boastful of his knowledge or skills, except walking on his hands across the McVille auditorium gym floor.  Some of his life pleasures included camping, golfing, big band music, washing his Fords, reading U.S. history books, and traveling.  He enjoyed watching the Vikings, NDSU, and UND football and Twins baseball.  Out of high school, Gerald was recruited as bookkeeper for the Ford garage in McVille.  This was a generous opportunity for a 17-year-old boy.  Gerald joined the U.S. Army in 1951 during the Korean War where he was stationed in Fairbanks, AK.  After his military service, Gerald returned to his young family in McVille.  He resumed employment at “The Garage” as a bookkeeper.  Gerald’s duties increased to include parts and service management; full-service attendant; janitor; order, purchase, prep, and sales of vehicles; and to fill the little 10 oz. Coke bottles in the pop machine.  He eventually purchased ownership and ultimately became sole owner.  He retired in 1998, after his 50-year involvement at McVille Motor Company.  Community was important to Gerald, and he participated in many local organizations including McVille Commercial Club, McVille City Board, McVille Lutheran Church council, American Legion Ole Semling Post 135, Elks Lodge (Devils Lake), and Stump Lake Village events to name a few.  One of his favorite ways to serve the community was to blast off the city’s 4th of July fireworks display.

Gerald is survived by his wife: Loy; his sons: Loren (Grand Forks); A.J. (Sharon) (McVille) and her child Angela Ensrud; his daughters: Gayle (Richard) Haabak (McVille) and their children Jesse, Megan (Brad) Tveit, and Libby; Laura (Grand Forks) and her children Claire, Olivia, and Jonah Cory; son-in-law: James Berdal (Cooperstown) and his children Rebecca, Shauna (Scott) Phillips, and Alexandra (Joe) Mclaughlin; his great-grandchildren: Kristen, Andrew, Landon, Thea, Maximus, Sydney, and Lincoln; great-great grandchild: Leo; sister: Vonnie Williams; and brother-in-law: Jerome Stein.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Joan Berdal.

Visitation is at the McVille Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m.

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