Jerry Wurtz

Jerry Wurtz, 74, of Bismarck, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Baptist Health & Rehab, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will be held the hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Jerry Robert Wurtz was born on October 29, 1951, to Richard Sr. and Dorothy (Varloe) Wurtz in Minot.

Jerry grew up in Plaza. As a kid he enjoyed fishing and helping his mom and dad farm in the Plaza area with his siblings. The Wurtz family was known for selling potatoes and watermelon locally.

After attending some college, at both UND and ND State School of Science, Jerry returned home to farm with his father until his father’s untimely passing in 1984. He continued farming with his brother Richard Jr. and showed his passion for farming by taking on every aspect of it. They farmed wheat, durum, barley, sunflowers, canola, corn, and peas throughout the years. He was always checking the skies to help determine the day’s agenda.

On April 15, 1978, he was united in marriage to Rachel Gjesdal. They made their home in Plaza, where they raised their children, Heather, Gary, and Christopher. Jerry and Rachel built their life around farming and their community. Nobody was safe from the inevitable “move” of farm equipment during the busy spring and fall seasons.

In the winter months, Jerry and Rachel took on miscellaneous home renovations and woodworking projects, even attending some craft fairs where they sold handmade products. In his free time, he loved watching his children play basketball and baseball, as well as attending the town celebrations with family.

Jerry had a great love of serving others. He was a member of many local organizations such as the Plaza Public School Board, Farmers Union Board, Plaza Park Board, First Lutheran Church, and the Plaza Fire Department. He was proud to hand a high school diploma to each of his children as part of his school board duties. During pre-Christmas break at school, he enjoyed playing in a school volleyball tournament of the students versus the teachers and school board. He also flexed his competitive side in ping pong, pinochle, and softball.

Jerry had a quick wit and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He could be seen talking to strangers at the clock tower in Dakota Square Mall in Minot. He also had an adventurous side and loved riding his Harley Davidson. He was known to pop a wheelie down the streets of Parshall in his younger days.

In 2009, Jerry and Rachel moved to Bismarck to be closer to their children and grandchildren. During the summer months they resided in Bismarck and spent winters at their home in Mesa, AZ.

During his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Rachel across the country in their motor home to see family and friends. They also took many family trips to Medora, South Dakota, and Disney World. They enjoyed hosting family at their Mesa home, especially their kids and grandkids, where many special memories were made. They enjoyed spending time with old and new friends and could sometimes be found cruising around in their golf cart. He even developed his golf game. He attended Wurtz family reunions every summer in North Dakota. Of all the fulfilling things in Jerry’s life, his children and 9 grandchildren gave him the greatest sense of pride. He and Rachel attended numerous special events over the years to celebrate their loved ones.

He was generous with his time, advice, talents, and always cared about others. We love you, Dad!

He is survived by his three children Heather (Russ) Keller, Bismarck; Gary (Jess) Wurtz, Bismarck; Christopher (Amanda) Wurtz, West Fargo; his 9 grandchildren Avery Wurtz, Noah Keller, Breckyn Wurtz, Elise Keller, Greta Keller, Gabriel Wurtz, Camryn Wurtz, Abigail Wurtz, and Demry Wurtz; three sisters Bonita Kallestad, Willmar, Minn.; Beatice Odde, Pollock, S.D.; Dorinda Paetz, Parshall; four brothers Richard Wurtz Jr, Bismarck, Roland Wurtz, Bismarck, John Wurtz, Las Vegas, N.V.; David Wurtz, Bismarck; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel; parents, Richard Wurtz Sr. and Dorothy Wurtz; In-laws, Richard Gjesdal and Antonia (Toni) Gjesdal.

In remembrance of Jerry’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Soul 57 (a youth grief group). This gracious donation can be mailed to 233 W. Rosser Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 or at www.soul57.org.