Jerry Dale

Germann

Jerry Dale Germann, 63, was born on  August 24, 1955, the son of Norbert and Edna (Abney) Germann. He was raised just west of Bowman, ND, where he resided most of his life. Jerry was educated in the Bowman Public School system completing every year from grade 1 through graduation with the class of 1973. Jerry excelled in track, setting school records in the 2 mile run as a freshman and continued improving on those records each year despite nagging injuries. Notable honors include qualifying for the state track meet, being the Badlands Conference champion and was under consideration for a college scholarship for cross country and track. After graduation he worked the summer for Pond's implement and found himself returning to the Bowman Public School as custodian later that fall. After 3 years the lure of the oil fields drew him in where he worked roustabout and later as relief pumper for Depco. Oil Co. for some12 years. He ran his own business (Sparkle Service) and a mechanic shop also during this time. He returned to custodial work with long tenures at US West 20+ years, Bowman Theater 30+ years, Able Group Home 25+years, ACS office and local restaurants. He mixed those jobs in while driving for the finder for 20+ years. Regardless of the weather he brought the Finder, Bowman County Pioneer and several other local cities their newspapers without missing a week. The past 13 years he was employed as custodian for Bowman Schools. To the very best of his ability he made the campus as nice as possible for the kids and teachers he cared dearly for, often times donating his time and personal resources. He missed his real calling in life as he was forever planning and drawing structures and remodel projects. He was good enough at it that the architects used some of his designs in school remodel projects as of late. He also designed and built his own home. He had an uncanny mechanical knack and could fix most anything he set his mind to. He excelled in finesse sports as well, carding par or better on several golf courses including two hole in ones on number 9 at the Bowman Golf Course, was an excellent bowler, tennis player, was a top notch horseshoe pitcher and was almost impossible to beat in a game of "horse" in basketball. He had deep interests in local history and other historical events spending countless hours researching every available resource for answers. He joined the Tighar group and made significant contributions to the insight of the search for Amelia Earhart. He had a deep love for God, an appreciation for antique cars and animals of all kinds. A generous man, who would help you all he could, always concerned about the welfare of others ahead of his own. He made mistakes in life, as we all do, and was haunted by any  hurt he may have caused anyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Nila Foster. He is survived by his sisters Donna Boles, Marilyn Robertson and Vonita Fetchin, brothers Robert Wilcox and twin brother John Germann, uncle Bob Germann and aunt Caroline Germann and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The greatest gift or contribution you can make in Jerry's behalf would be to do something nice for someone or help them in any way.

Private services will be held.