Gary Dean Bracht

Gary Dean Bracht, 62, Bismarck, passed away February 11, 2016, at his home from natural causes. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, February 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 502 N 4th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Paul Schick officiating. Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, with military honors provided by Amvets Club #9. Gary was born on December 30, 1953, to George and Hazel Bracht in Bismarck, ND. He was raised and attended public school there, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1972, where he excelled in track and cross country. After high school, he attended Bismarck Junior College, graduating in 1974. Gary then enlisted in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1976. He decided to further his education at NDSU and graduated in 1980 with a degree in civil engineering. Gary went on to work for Gearhart Industries in Williston and then came back to Bismarck where he began working for the ND State Health Department in the Water Quality Control Division for 28 years. He retired in 2011, but wasn’t done quite yet. Retirement life was a little too boring for him, so he went on to work for Burleigh County in the summers, building and rebuilding county roads. Gary was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing, and of course, his daily morning jog-or speed walk-whatever you prefer. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and Mule Deer Foundation, among many others, including various fraternal organizations. Gary loved to socialize. One of his favorite things to do was to spend time with his friends and family. Gary played on a weekly dart league, where he was captain. He also loved NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, and NDSU Bison Football. His presence at these events will always be remembered and dearly missed. Gary was a family man, but family didn’t just mean blood. His family and friends were always close to his heart. Gary is survived by his parents, Don and Hazel Sinness, Bismarck; three sisters, Karen (Arlyn) Ohlhauser, Bismarck, Deb Drummond, Redford, MI, and Arlys Bracht, Bismarck; two brothers, Curt Bracht, Bismarck, and David Sinness, Houston, TX; two nieces, Daisy Drummond, Westland, MI, and Abby Kaseman, Bismarck; along with many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, George Bracht; his grandparents, Magnus and Hannah Thompson, Henry and Christine Bracht; and his favorite furry friend, Ruby. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or a charity of your choice.