A Funeral Mass for Jerry J. Bren, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 a. m. , Monday, January 19, 2015 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Hradec with Father Bill Ruelle OSB celebrating. Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Visitation for Jerry will be 12:00 p. m. to 5:00 p. m. , Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil service being held at 4:00 p. m. with Deacon Bob Stockert. Jerry passed away peacefully at the age of 91, on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at St. Benedict’s Healthcare, Dickinson, ND. Jerry was born June 5, 1923 in Dickinson, the son of Frank and Mary (Stranik) Bren. Growing up he attended grade school in New Hradec and later attended high school in Dickinson. Jerry then returned to the Bren homestead, where he began his career in farming. On October 30, 1945 he married Dorothy Sadowsky. To this union Donald, Marietta, Diane, Galen and Dale were born. Together they farmed and raised their family in the New Hradec area. For many years Jerry helped dig the graves for the New Hradec cemetery. Jerry and Dorothy retired from farming in 1974 and moved to Dickinson where they made their home. Jerry began to work for St. Joseph’s Hospital as a maintenance man and continued to work there for 15 years. He later enjoyed helping Donald with his business and doing chores for Dorothy. Jerry and Dorothy both enjoyed traveling in a motor home all over the United States, and Canada. After 65 years of marriage, Dorothy passed away on April 7, 2011. He loved to spend time playing his button accordion and wood working. He especially loved when his grandchildren and family came together for gatherings. Jerry’s faith in God was very important to him and he always took time to pray. Jerry was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, K D Workman Hall of New Hradec and the Knights of Columbus of Dickinson. Jerry’s kind spirit will be missed by his family and many close friends. Jerry is survived by his sons, Donald (Kathie) of Dickinson, Galen (Gaylene) of Bismarck, and Dale (Kim) of Elgin; daughters, Marietta (Gardner) Polanchek of Henderson, NV, and Diane McConnell of Dickinson; grandchildren, Hollie (Glen) Wanner, Ben Bren, Terri Lynn (Jason) Renner, Kim (Mike) Johnson, Christopher Bren, Nathan Bren, Vanessa Polanchek, Jason (Robin) Polanchek, Shelle Heaton (Phillip), Dustin McConnell and Darci (Jon) Karau; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Elsie Franchuk of Dickinson and Sister Mary Elsa Bren of Mankato, MN; and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his parents, Frank and Mary; brothers, Louie, Albert, Tony, Charles, Bill and two infant brothers; sisters, Barbara Mehulky, Eleanore Pavlicek and one infant sister; and son-in-law, Dale McConnell.
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Burial Date: January 19, 2015
Funeral Mass: Monday: Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, New Hradec, ND