Gerald "Jerry" Bergquist

Gerald “Jerry” Bergquist 72, died Thursday April 24th, 2025 unexpectedly.

Gerald Lyell Bergquist was born March 30th, 1953, the son of Lyell & Agnes (Vincent) Bergquist. He attended St. John’s Academy in Jamestown through the 9th grade and spent his high school years at Jamestown High School, graduating in 1971. He was known as the photographer for the high school annual. He started Jamestown College in the fall of ’71. He took some time off and managed Jetstream Carwash. He then went back to JC and graduated in May of 1978, with a BA in Business Administration.

In 1979 Jerry was co-owner and manager of Leaf and Shutter until 1987. For the next two years he was office manager for System Resource.

In January of 1989 he started his career as Stutsman County Emergency Manager and 911 Communications Center Coordinator. The following are most of the attributes of his career pertaining to Jamestown, Stutsman County and the State of ND. Jerry led the city of Jamestown and Stutsman County through numerous disasters, provided training and planning for various agencies. He led the development of 911 systems across the state. He founded the ND Emergency Management Association and also served on the board. He served has a mentor to emergency mangers across the state. He assisted schools, universities, law enforcement and government offices in planning, preparing and responding to emergencies. He served on local committees and boards including the Salvation Army, St. John’s Academy (FACE), South Central Homeless Coalition, American Red Cross, Chamber Committees, Emergency Planning Committees, Land use Transportation planning, the Central Valley Health district board, County Weed board, Jamestown Regional Airport Authority, Stutsman County Human Rights Coalition, and was Treasurer of the Jamestown Amateur Radio Club.

In 2009 Jerry received the “Above and Beyond” award and in 2020 “The Citizen of the Year Award” both presented by the Chamber of Commerce.

In 2021 after more then 32 years as the Stutsman County Emergency Manager, the Mayor proclaimed that forevermore the 30th day of June 2021 will be known as “Jerry Bergquist Day” in the city of Jamestown.

Shortly after his retirement he was elected as a member to the Stutsman County Commission in November of 2022. He was serving as the Chairman of the Commission until his death.

Jerry is survived by his brother Mike (Kris) Bergquist, nieces Rachel (Nick) Cichos all Jamestown, Kate (Jim) Wier, Lewistown, MT, nephews John (Rhonda) Umsted, Helena, MT, Peter (Carey) Umsted, Billings, MT, a great-niece, 5 great-nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Pat Umsted, brother-in-law Curt Umsted, nephew Ross Bergquist, dear friend Angie Kokott and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a vigil service at 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 1, 2025 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm, presiding. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. John’s Academy, Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.