Gary Bratlie

Gary L. Bratlie, age 73, of Northwood, ND, passed away at Fargo Sanford Hospital due to complications of heart surgery on Monday, November 30, 2020 surrounded by his family. A public visitation will be held Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm with a private family funeral to follow at Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Larimore, ND. Burial will be at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required.

Gary Leigh was born on December 24, 1946, to Rueben and Iva (Jorde) Bratlie in Grand Forks, ND. He was raised on the family farm at Logan Center, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Larimore, ND. He attended Logan Center School and graduated from Larimore High School in 1964.

Gary joined the Marine Corps on October 11, 1965 and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He was Honorably discharged on August 25, 1969. Gary was a 50 year member of Post 97 Larimore American Legion and a charter member of Post 2707 Northwood VFW.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Gary attended NDSCS in Wapheton for 2 years and in the spring of 1971, he began work with Clairmont Construction of Bismarck, ND.  Gary then worked for Sand Steel Building Company of Emerado, ND for 25 years, the city of Northwood, and in retirement he worked for Terry and Ryan Gratton Farms.

Gary married Janet Strande on January 28, 1966 in Northwood.  They raised their four children on the farm Gary grew up on.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting and in later years woodworking and riding his Harley Davidson trike.  He enjoyed visiting and having the grandchildren and great-grandchildren visiting the house.

He is survived by his wife Janet, children: Shayne (Joyce) McCanna, ND, Sara (Dustin) Neva, Hatton, ND, Todd (Jenny) Northwood, ND, and Dusty of Larimore, ND.  He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Cody (Jenna) Bratlie, Justin Bratlie, Ryan (Samantha) Bratlie, Matthew (Dakota Fugelstad  fiancee’), Colbie (Adam) Balstad, and Shelbie Bratlie; 8 great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Stormy, Lane, Braxtyn, Colton, Layla, Addison, Brooks and Baby Boy Bratlie due in January.  He is also survived by his sisters, Yvonne (Richard) Mandt and Jean (Jerry) Mandt and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers, LeRoy and Jerome.