Joanne (Brasen) Gilbert was born March 13, 1944 to Francis and Beulah (Ralstin) Brasen in Scobey, MT. She was the youngest of three children and their only girl. After recently celebrating her 80th birthday, she passed away peacefully on the morning of April 21, 2024, from an aortic aneurysm.

As a young girl, Joanne attended Scobey schools and had a wonderful upbringing. She had a lot of fun with her childhood schoolmates, who over time became lifelong friends. She always cherished the friends she collected throughout her life. She graduated from Scobey High School with the class of 1962. Later that same year, on September 22, she married the true love of her life, Bernard (Bernie) Gilbert, from the SHS class of 1960. Over the next several years, they welcomed three sons, Trent, Brian, and Brad to their family. They raised their boys on their farm southeast of Scobey in Line Coulee. Joanne and Bernie also enjoyed shared activities, such as golfing at the Scobey Golf Club, where they were longtime members.

As an adult, Joanne graduated from Minot State University with a degree in Music Education. Following graduation, she taught music in Peerless, Scobey, and Wolf Point. She earned her Master’s degree while teaching in Wolf Point.

Joanne thoroughly enjoyed participating in Scobey’s musical community, with groups such as The Prairie Symphonette, Jack Reiner’s Big Band, and the Dirty Shame Show. Throughout the years, she was a belle, sang songs such as “Big Spender”, and played clarinet in the Dixieland Band. In recent years during Pioneer Days, she played piano in the Saloon, while her brother, Larry, played trumpet.

For many years, Joanne was a joyful member of the Scobey Lutheran Church. She loved singing in the choir. Now with her body fully restored, we know she’s really enjoying being in heaven’s choir. If there’s a praise band, she’s probably in that too.

Joanne loved teaching and encouraging others in music, but she wasn’t just talented at musical things; she was a very creative person. In addition to her musical talents, she was a remarkable painter, did truly amazing things with cross stitch, and crocheted beautiful blankets. Once, she tried knitting Bernie a sweater for Christmas. It came out really wide and way too short, but she gifted it to him anyway so they could laugh at her attempt. That’s a quintessential Joanne story. She had a great sense of humor and never passed up on a moment to laugh.

Everyone who knew Joanne, knew she was lovely, silly, and smart. She could do anything she put her mind to. Our hearts are broken that she is gone from this side of heaven, but we take comfort in knowing we’ll see her again!

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; brother Don Brasen; and brother-inlaw Howard Corey.

She is survived by Bernie Gilbert, her husband of over 61 years; three sons, Trent (Dorinda) Gilbert, Billings, Brian (Teri) Gilbert, Artesia, NM, and Brad (Kathy) Gilbert, Rapid City, SD; 7 grandchildren, Jessica (Mills) Bale, Ryan (Noelle) Gilbert, Rochelle Gilbert, Jared Gilbert, James Gilbert, Brayden Gilbert, and Carter Gilbert; and 6 great grandchildren, Jayden Gilbert, Clara Bale, Graham Bale, Raiden Gilbert, Athena Gilbert and Lily Bale; brother Larry (Betty) Brasen; sisterin- law, Iris Corey; 4 nieces and nephews – Chaunte’ Kashiwa, Larry Brasen Jr, Jacqueline Corey, and Dale Corey; as well as numerous additional relatives and friends. She truly adored all of you!

Gary Orlando Germundson went to be with his heavenly father and loved ones on April 25, 2024. Gary started his life on Arbor Ave. in Minot, ND and ended it on Arbor Ave. in Mesa, AZ.

He was born October 22, 1938 to Orly and Helen Germundson in Minot, ND. He was joined by a sister Glenda and a brother Galen. They moved to Ray, ND where he grew up and graduated in 1956.

Gary met the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Olson, at Epping Bible camp as a 7th grader. They saw each other at ball games, Bible camp, and music festivals in Williston throughout their high school years. They started dating in 1956 and were engaged in 1957. Gary served in the US Army from 19571959. He was stationed at Ft Carson, CO and Ft Leonard Wood, MO. They were married July 19, 1959 in Stanley, ND, and made their home in Minot, ND where he attended college at Minot Teachers College and graduated with a B.S. in Education. Glorianne and Kyle were born during this time. He moved to Williston to be a 6th grade teacher at Lewis and Clark school for 4 years. Tonia and Lori completed the family.

During the summers, Gary attended Montana State in Bozeman and received his Master of Administration. In 1967 they moved to Scobey, MT to be the Elementary Principal, a position he held for 25 years. In 1977, he received a Master of Special Education from MSU Bozeman.

In 1992 Gary retired from Scobey Schools. His love of learning found him back at Minot State for a Master of Psychology. For the next 15 years, he worked for Roos Valley Co-Op as a school psychologist. During this time, he spent one day a week at Spotted Bull Treatment Center in Poplar, MT mentoring and changing the lives of many young individuals. In 2010, he retired from the Co-Op, but continued his passion for mentoring young adults. In 2015 he completely retired and they enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona.

Gary was involved in his community by participating in Jaycees, City Council, Lions Club, Color Guard, President of the Lutheran Church, Church Council, Church choir, Gideons, and a mentor for confirmation.

He enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and many countries in Europe, but mostly Norway, because he was Norwegian. He would be very happy to know he was laid to rest on Syttende Mai, Norway’s Independence Day. He enjoyed cruises, the train, and bus tours. He loved yard work, rocks, and making jewelry for his family. He also enjoyed coffee time and talking with his many friends.

Being a foster parent to many children also held a special place in his heart. His special place in Montana was his property at Fort Peck along the Missouri River. His biggest passion was being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Gary is proceeded in death by his parents, brother and wife, Marilyn, his inlaws, and 2 brother in-laws. A granddaughter Samantha, Lori’s special friend Tom, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 64 years and his four children. Glorianne Fouhy (Scobey), Kyle Germundson (Osakis, MN), Tonia (Jim) Vachal (Watertown, SD), Lori Sanden (Norman, OK). Grandchildren: Ashley (Eric) Haddenhorst, Lindsay (Bryan) Jolley, Jessica Herrera, Bryson Germundson, TJ (Kendra) Vachal, Jakob, Joshua, Jonna Vachal, Kyla (Corey) Cousins, Kymber (Adam) Carney, Kyndra (Dustin) Ayscue. Great-grandchildren: Teague, Graham, Taelyn, Von, Carter, Lincoln, Landon, Madison, Corbin, Kennedy, Beck, Dawson, and Demi.

A memorial service to celebrate Gary’s life will be Friday May 17, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Scobey Lutheran Church. Burial will be at the Daniels County cemetery.