Gerald Bernnan, 86, passed away on December 23, 2025.

A graveside service will be held Friday May 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Gerald Duane Brennan was born on September 25, 1939, in Gardner, North Dakota, to Gladys and Claus Brennan. He was raised in North Dakota and graduated from high school in McVille, where he developed a strong work ethic and sense of independence that guided him throughout his life. Following graduation, Gerald enlisted in the Army and served from 1958 to 1960 at Ft. Ord, CA after his discharge, he worked in the oil fields near Watford City. He later built a successful career with Melroe and Wilrich, serving as a sales representative and regional manager. During his years with these companies, he lived and worked in Cooperstown, ND, Bismarck, ND, Twin Falls, ID and Mandan, ND. Gerald later found his true calling outdoors as a park ranger at Little Missouri State Park, a position he held for 15 years. It was there that he fully embraced his lifelong passion for horses, trail riding, and packing horses through the mountains. Gerald especially cherished sharing these experiences with others, welcoming anyone who wanted to tag along while he worked, and creating lasting memories on the trails and in the open country he loved so deeply. After retiring, Gerald continued to live life on his own terms, enjoying his days doing anything and everything he pleased. Gerald was married to Joanne Brennan (Olson), and together they raised three children: Donovan Brennan of California, Deborah Brennan, who went to heaven in 2011, and Kristi (Bill) Fetsch of Bismarck, Granddaughter Jessica (Zach) Follman and their children Zoey and Zander. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claus and Gladys Brennan; his sister, Carol; and his daughter, Deborah. Gerald Duane Brennan will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his deep love of horses and the outdoors, the generosity with which he shared his time and trails with others, and the joy he found in watching his great-grandchildren grow. His legacy lives on through his family and the many lives he touched along the way.