Gerry Rismoen

Gerry (Bredehoft) Rismoen passed away Monday, October 30, 2023, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls, MN, at the age of 85.

Germaine Gay Bredehoft was born to Alice and Adolph Bredehoft on July 31, 1938, in Fergus Falls, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Gerry graduated from Roosevelt Park Senior High School in Fergus Falls in 1956. She prepared for her administrative career by taking courses at Anoka-Hennepin Technical College and Century College.

On June 29, 1957, Gerry married Allen Rismoen at Trinity Lutheran Church. They first resided in St. Paul, MN, later settling in Circle Pines, MN. Gerry and Allen had 4 children – Becky, Brian, Julie, and Greg. The couple’s interests included motorcycling, camping, and their involvement in the local snowmobiling club, the Circle Pines Sno-Goers.

In Gerry’s earlier career, she worked as Anoka County Clerk of Court. From 1971 to 1974, Gerry wrote the “Pines Potpourri” weekly feature for Circle Pines’ local newspaper, the Circulating Pines. From 1976 through 2003, Gerry worked various positions, including Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, at the Circle Pines – Lexington Police Department (Centennial Lakes Police Department). Also within this time frame (1985 – 1989), she served as the Commission Secretary for the Centennial Fire District.

Upon her retirement in 2003, Gerry moved back to her hometown of Fergus Falls. Retirement was short lived! Shortly after her move, she returned to what she knew best:  She worked as transcriptionist at the Fergus Falls Police Department from 2004 – 2009. After her 2^nd retirement, she volunteered her time by helping with archiving duties at the Otter Tail County Historical Society.

In her later years, she enjoyed playing cards and bingo with friends, monthly “Girl Grad” lunches, casino trips, Senior Center activities, and spending time with family. She was an avid reader, was always up for starting yet another jigsaw puzzle, and loved rides in the country, especially enjoying the beautiful fall leaves and hoping for a deer sighting. Her face would always light up anytime she knew that an ice cream treat was in her future! Those who knew Gerry appreciated her sense of fun and humor; she was happiest when she was laughing and joking around with those who really “got” her.

Preceding her in death were her parents Adolph and Alice Bredehoft, brother Larry Bredehoft, and sisters Margene Bredehoft, Delores Kivley, and Donna Ecker, along with many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gerry is survived by children Becky Rismoen of Fergus Falls, Brian (Sue) Rismoen of Indianapolis, IN, Julie Rismoen of Alexandria, MN, and Greg (Layla) Rismoen of Columbia Heights, MN; grandchildren Thomas Brinker, Michele (Greg) Bird, Christy (Jason) Kritz, Kari McMillian, Stephanie (Kevin) Schmidt, Allison Rismoen, and Elsa and Wilhelmina Rismoen; 13 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way), 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Blessed be the memory of Gerry Rismoen.

Visitation Service: 4pm to 6pm Friday, November 3, 2023, with a Prayer Service at 5:30pm – Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Memorial Service: 11am Saturday, November 4, 2023 – Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls