Dr. Jerry R. Wutzke

Dr. Jerry R. Wutzke, 74, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on June 11, 2026.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Eastgate Funeral Service at 3117 E Century Ave in Bismarck. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share stories in remembrance of a life well lived.

Born on September 15, 1951, to Ruben and Leona Hoffmann Wutzke, Jerry grew up on the family farm near Arena, North Dakota, where he was the oldest of seven children. The values of hard work, curiosity, and family shaped during those early years stayed with him for the rest of his life.

After graduating from high school, he earned his Associate of Arts degree from Bismarck Junior College in 1971. Inspired by his grandmother, Bertha — a self-taught healer in Arena — he went on to earn his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, IL. Together with his then-wife Susan Wutzke, he founded Wutzke Chiropractic Clinic in Bismarck, where he practiced for over 20 years, building a career rooted in a genuine desire to help others.

Those who knew Jerry knew he was never short on interests. A lover of science fiction, art, comic books, music, and ethnic cuisine, he approached the world with an infectious curiosity. Movies and books — especially sci-fi — held a special place in his heart, and he jumped at any chance to catch live music, whether at a concert or an outdoor event. He thrived wherever people gathered, always eager to connect, share a story, or introduce someone to his latest musical discovery. He and his son, Jeremy, were proud members of the Corvettes of Dakota Territory, where the friendships he built became some of his most treasured.

One of Jerry's greatest passions was genealogy. For decades he devoted himself to researching ancestors, preserving stories, and reaching out to relatives near and far — driven by a deep belief that people deserve to know where they come from. Alongside his mother Leona and siblings Myron and Kathy, he helped compile and publish a Wutzke family history book, “Descendants of Johann Wutzke I” dating back to 1754 — a lasting gift to the generations that follow.

Above all else, Jerry cherished his family. His six grandchildren brought him his greatest joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them — from board games and movies to the stories and conversations that filled the room with laughter. His children, meanwhile, knew all too well that a dad joke was never far away. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his boundless curiosity, his one-of-a-kind humor, and the love he poured into the people closest to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Leona Wutzke; his sister, Kathy; and his brothers, Gordon and Glenn.

Left to carry on his memory are his children and their mother, Susie Heid: Jeremy Wutzke and his wife Jenine of Bismarck, and their children Jasmine, Jordan, Alessandra, and Brynnleigh; Jamie Sherman and her husband Shawn of Texas, and their children Casey and Alyssa; and Kayla Wutzke of Bismarck. He is also survived by his siblings Cynthia Wutzke of Arizona; Myron Wutzke and his wife Kim of Bismarck; Mike Wutzke and his wife Mary Ann of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

In his honor, guests are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably — pull out your Corvette gear, a favorite Star Wars tee, or anything that nods to the sci-fi and pop culture he loved so much. Come relaxed, come as yourself, and come ready to celebrate him.

Those who wish to honor Jerry's memory with a memorial gift are encouraged to consider a donation to one of the organizations that reflected his passions and values:

Germans from Russia Heritage Society — 1125 W. Turnpike Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 | (701) 223-6167 | grhs.org

Bismarck Global Neighbors — bismarckglobalneighbors.org/donate

• North Dakota's Gateway to Science— 1600 Canary Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 | gatewaytoscience.org
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Flowers/plants are also welcome and will be received at Eastgate Funeral Service.

Jerry's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.