Gerry Wilkie, age 81, of Rolla, ND passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, ND.

Gerry Lynn Wilkie was born August 23, 1939 in Bottineau, ND to Gerhart and Ena (MacKay) Wilkie.  He was raised in Rolla and graduated from Rolla High School in 1957.  He served in the National Guard while continuing his education and graduating from NDSU, completing a bachelor degree in Agriculture Education.  GO BISON!

Gerry was united in marriage to Kathryn (Matson) on July 23, 1961 in Rolla, ND.  Together they raised three children, Donna, Bryan, and Duane.  Out of college, he taught Agriculture Education in Napoleon and Rolette, ND before returning to the family farm in 1966, to farm alongside his dad.  He continued to farm until he retired in 2014 but remained actively involved on the family farm driving tractor, swathing and combining until the time of his death.

Gerry spent a lot of time giving back to the community of Rolla and the state of North Dakota.  He was on numerous boards including the Jaycee's, National Farmers Organization, Mt. Pleasant School Board, and The Farmers Union.  Gerry served in the North Dakota Legislature for 12 years and served on many different state committees.  Additionally, he was instrumental in the founding of the Mt. Pleasant School Foundation and the establishment of Park View Assisted Living.  Both of which continue to improve the lives of the Rolla area students, families, and our region overall today.

In the early 1990's, Gerry and Kathy started to travel.  They traveled to several states including Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.  They then decided to settle in Mesa, Arizona at The Resort as their winter home.  Gerry enjoyed morning coffee at the Cenex, playing cards, hunting, fishing, reading, spending time at Loon Lake, and watching The Minnesota Twins and Bison Football!  Gerry also had a sense of humor which was enjoyed by friends and family.  His accounts of events which he wrote about in his famous Christmas letters were enjoyed by many – even total strangers!

Gerry is survived by his wife, Kathryn of 59 years; his children, Donna (Jeff) Marty of Rolla, Bryan of Hartford, Connecticut, and Duane (Paula) of Rolla; grandchildren, Zach Marty of Bottineau, Caitlin (Tanner) Stoecker of Fargo, Colter Marty of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Grayson Marty of Houston, Texas, Gabby, Maddie, Gavin and Payne Wilkie, all of Rolla; two great grandchildren, Maverick and Eloise Stoecker of Fargo; siblings, Ann (Bob) MacKay of Federal Way, Washington, Margo Kaleva of Oroville, California, and Shirley (Barry) Dunn of Olympia, Washington; brother, Tom (Sandy) Wilkie of Loon Lake; sister-in-law, Sandy Gustafson of Fargo; brother-in-law, Ted (Marcia) Matson of Pasadena, California; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerhart and Ena Wilkie and brother-in-law, Rod Kaleva.

Honorary Bearers are Owen Olson, Bill Awalt, Roger Martin, Ray Samuelson, Ole Aarsvold, Guy Laurencelle, Ken Foat, John Normandeau, Lee Kaldor, and Gerry's many friends and family members.  Special music by Tim Mickelson.  Military Honors by the Fred C. Wagner American Legion Post 235 of Rolla and the Military Funeral Honor Guard of Grand Forks, ND.

A service will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on July 26, 2021 in Rolla at 3:00 in the afternoon, officiated by Pastor Scott Ramey.  Burial will follow at the Rolla City Cemetery.  Immediately following the burial, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Duane and Paula Wilkie residence.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests donation be made to the Mount Pleasant School Foundation or The Rolla Endowment Fund in Gerry's memory.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.