Gary L. Roberson

Gary L. Roberson, 76, of Washburn, passed away surrounded by family and friends on February 25, 2026.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Bismarck Funeral Home. Family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery, Mandan.

Gary Lee Roberson was born on June 7, 1949 to Chester Roberson and Marie Harr in Bismarck, North Dakota.

After attending Bismarck High School, Gary embarked on a varied career path that began at Woolworth Company in Grand Island, Nebraska where he managed the Sporting Goods Department. He was employed by J Pennington Optical in Great Falls, Montana as an optician and later owned and operated Whitefish Optical in Whitefish, Montana. Upon returning to Bismarck Gary continued his studies at Bismarck State College. He began to work at the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department in 1985 where he dedicated 23 years. During that time, he served as a detox counselor, detention officer, and member of the Burleigh County Dive Team. He was 46 years sober and was actively involved in the AA Program at the jail and also partnered with many organizations in the Bismarck Mandan area. Gary loved the Native American community and worked with and for the United Tribes often over the years. Throughout all of his endeavors, Gary's impact on others was immeasurable, as he consistently made a positive difference in the lives of those around him. His dedication was recognized in 1996 when he received the Bell Award from the North Dakota Mental Health Association.

Gary married Pam (Crosby) Martin in 1971, with whom he had two sons, Jeremiah and Philip. In 1998, he married Dinah (Fergel) Blotske, embracing his role as stepfather to Jason and Ryan Blotske. The joy and love he felt for his family was boundless, and he cherished his time spent with them.

Those who knew Gary will remember him as a genuine, resourceful, and adventurous man. He had an innate ability to fix or build anything, which was evident in his passion for antique cars, notably the 1950 Ford Coup he meticulously restored. His love for fishing and hunting provided him with joy and connection to nature, and he enjoyed sharing these experiences with all those he loved.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 29 years, Dinah; sons, Jeremiah Roberson, Philip (Jennie) Jewett, Jason (Laurie) Blotske, and Ryan (Cassie) Blotske; grandchildren, Grayson Roberson, Elena Jewett, Tyler (Kjerstin) Blotske, Danielle (Jimmy) Freeman, Carter (Mya) Blotske, Ethan (Katarina) Blotske, Kyler Blotske, and Keara Blotske; great-grandchildren, Aurora, Briar, Micah, and Ezra; siblings, Rita (Mike) Bartholomew, Randal (Cathy) Roberson, Judy Bauman, and Bonnie Roberson; in-laws, Karen Fergel, Hugo (Alice) Fergel, Leon Fergel, Arleen (Todd) Gleason, Felice (Deb Keehan) Fergel, Mike Fergel, Linda (Bob) Morris, and Mary (Jim) Mildenberger; many special nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Willow and Stitch.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ryan Roberson, as well as his in-laws, John and Theresa Fergel. He is also remembered fondly by the pets he loved, including Pappy, Maggie, Jake, and Scout.

His legacy of loyalty, love, compassion, and resourcefulness will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Gary will be dearly missed, yet his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at CHI St. Alexius Health for their exceptional care and kindness. A special thank you to Dr. Sharma and his nurse, Evan, for the compassionate support they provided during Gary’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Gary, please make memorials to the Heartview Foundation at https://heartview.org/get-involved/donate.html or Central Dakota Humane Society at https://centraldakotahumanesociety.ddock.gives