Bryan Gaschk

Bryan Kent Gaschk, 65, Bismarck, died peacefully at home with a dime in his pocket on Nov. 6, 2023. The family looks forward to celebrating Bryan’s life with others on Monday, Nov. 13 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. and fellowship following.

Bryan was born May 28, 1958, to Jerry and Phyllis (Laird) Gaschk who each preceded him in death. After 18 years together, Bryan’s wife Cindy (Miller) Gaschk passed away in 2008. A difficult loss also was his and Cindy’s Pomeranian Phoebe, age 100.

Bryan is survived by his siblings: Mitch (wife Della) Gaschk, rural Bismarck; Michele (husband Larry) Ripplinger, Mandan; Cheryl (husband Tom) Miller, homeless; DeeAnn Werre (husbandless), Bismarck. Always rather competitive at home, Bryan apparently wanted to be the first to die also. Nieces and nephews are Amanda (husband Tyler) Welk and Ariel Bibb of Bismarck; Alex Bibb (partner Derek Miller) of Dickinson; Ashley Gaschk of Bismarck; Nikolai (wife Brittany) Miller of Muncie, Indiana.

From youth, Bryan’s style was to delve deep into his interests. Out-of-doors was his comfort zone; North Dakota cold didn’t seem to bother him. Snow forts, Boy Scouts (achieving the rank of Eagle), hunting, trapping, fishing…. Especially fishing, spending uncountable hours reeling in walleyes alongside his grandfather Paul Gaschk. His Ranger boat was his ultimate pride and joy. After high school, Bryan worked for several companies in parts distribution. Later he obtained a degree in Horticulture/Urban Forestry from North Dakota State University and moved
onto a career of urban forest management for the cities of Bismarck and Fargo.

Bryan’s greatest satisfaction was working with trees in his hometown of Bismarck. Bryan most recently worked for the U.S. Postal Service until he was knocked on his ass by cancer. Yet, since then, he was able to explore the vast Inland Empire of diverse conifers in Washington state, he went to Yellowstone and traveled to Michigan on a camping trip. Almost as satisfying as working with trees, “Uncle Bryan” found purpose in babysitting four “nephew” dogs: Stanley, Gus, Jax and LS. They miss him dearly.

Considering Bryan’s lifelong love of nature, planting a tree or flower bed in his honor would be an ideal gesture. Or in lieu of flowers, perhaps a donation to a charity of your choice.