Brett Jochim

Brett Jochim, 56, Bismarck, ND, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023. A memorial service for Brett will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. The family will greet guests beginning at 10 a.m. A live stream of the service can be found at www.eastgatefuneral.com.

Brett was born October 25, 1966, to Michael Jochim and Marlys (Hruby) Coughlin in Bismarck. He grew up in Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1984. He then attended North Dakota State University College of Engineering, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering in 1993. After graduating, Brett accepted a job in Dickinson at Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson. On June 18, 1994, he married his loving wife, Dawn (Keator) Jochim. They were together for 37 years and married for 29 years. In 1997, they welcomed their daughter, Madison, and in 2001, they welcomed their son, Mason. Brett accepted a position in 1998 with AE2S in Bismarck, where he was an integral member of the company and would go on to become the first Operations Manager of the Bismarck office, then promoted to Chief Operating Officer. 

From a young age, Brett enjoyed music, being outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends. At the age of 9, Brett started his first band with his friend Scott, playing lead guitar, and would continue his musical career for the remainder of his life. Brett was an excellent musician and played guitar, banjo, bass, harmonica, keyboard, mandolin, and anything else he could get his hands on. Brett spent much of his time outdoors. He loved hunting deer, upland birds, and fishing for walleye with his family. His passion for the outdoors led to a life of farming and ranching, where he raised black angus cattle. Brett often smiled and said, “Nothin’ better than black cows on green grass.” He was an all-around cowboy, who rode bareback horses in high school and later team roped with his friend Randy. Brett shared his love of animals and nature with his wife and kids, who will continue to keep this passion alive.

Brett is survived by his wife, Dawn; his two children, Madison and Mason; his mother, Marlys (Paul) Coughlin; his father, Michael (Judy Ressler) Jochim; his sister, Daphne (Wiley) Pfleiger; his in-laws, Wanda and Gaylen Dewing; sister-in-law, Bree (Jay Dollinger) Dewing; brother-in-law, Jyh Dewing; his in-laws, Gaylen Keator; sisters-in-law, Tracie and Terra Keator; brother-in-law, Quent Keator, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Brett was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Hilda Hruby, Irene Jochim; and his mother-in-law, Linda Keator.

Brett will be remembered as a soulful musician, a steward of the land, and, most importantly, a loving father and selfless husband.