Gerald Kusler

Gerald “Jerry” D. Kusler, 74, Glen Ullin, passed from this life on Sunday, March 1, 2009, at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck. Services will be held at 10:30 am CST, Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Jim Moos from the United Church of Christ in Bismarck officiating. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Parkway Funeral Service, and will continue one hour prior to the service. Gerald was born on August 7, 1934, in Beulah, ND, the son of John and Alma Buechler Kusler. Gerald grew up on his parents’ family farm, attended a rural grade school and graduated from Beulah High School class of 1952. Following graduation Jerry obtained a teaching certificate and taught school in south Beulah rural one room country school for a year. However, the discovery of oil in North Dakota opened new doors of opportunity for Jerry. He entered the construction industry as a boilermaker welding on pipelines and other oil related construction projects in the oil patch. His welding skills were noticed and a steady stream of welding and construction work followed for many years. He worked as a welder on the Garrison Dam near Pick City, ND, and many other construction projects in many states of the United States. Much of the time was spent as an employee of Chicago Bridge and Iron. Jerry’s career as a welder was twice interrupted by a call to serve his country. He joined the United States Army on May 15, 1957, and served until May 6, 1959. After basic training at Fort Hood, TX, Jerry was stationed in Germany as a combat engineer with the 4th Armored Division. He was later recalled for a second tour of duty from October 29, 1961, to August 6, 1962. Among his decorations, he was awarded a good conduct medal and recognized for his marksmanship skills with a pistol and expert rifle skills. A hurried and hectic travel life in the construction industry combined with his military service kept Jerry on the move for many years. Looking to settle down, he became the Farmers Union Insurance Agent in his hometown of Beulah, ND. It was a decision that ended up defining the largest portion of Jerry’s remaining working life. After several years in Beulah as an insurance agent and implement dealer, Jerry moved to Rapid City, SD, to work for All State Insurance. In 1978, a leasing company offered a position and a chance for Jerry to return to North Dakota and Bismarck. The leasing company brought Jerry home; but, his heart was still with the insurance industry. After a period of time, Jerry returned to the insurance industry where he remained until his retirement. In his youth, Jerry was a fine athlete and a gifted boxer who competed throughout the Upper Midwest. He was a North Dakota Golden Gloves boxing champ for his weight class. He fought over 50 fights while losing only two contests and having another declared a draw. He was proud of his record as a fighter. One of Jerry’s fondest life memories was from his tour of military duty in Germany. He became acquainted with Elvis Presley. Elvis, recalling Jerry from their time in the military, received Jerry backstage after Presley’s last concert in Rapid City, SD, where Jerry lived at the time. As a young insurance agent in Beulah, Jerry was active in the Jaycees and in Bismarck a member of the Bismarck Elks, the Moose and various Veterans organizations. Jerry especially appreciated the camaraderie and many friendships gained through theVeterans and fraternal organizations. Jerry is survived by one daughter, Rebecca George; two sons, David and Shad and seven grandchildren, all reside in Bismarck. He is also survived by two sisters, Milda Kusler Hedblom and Johnell Kusler, both of St. Paul, MN; and his brother, Jim, near Beulah, ND. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Kusler.

Gerald Kusler

August 7, 1934 - March 1, 2009