Jerry Bergquist remembered for his dedication, work for Stutsman County
Apr. 30—JAMESTOWN — Gerald "Jerry" Bergquist is being remembered for his dedication, loyalty and hard work for the county and Jamestown community.
"I don't think the county has ever had a more dedicated, loyal employee than Jerry Bergquist," said Mark Klose, who served on the county commission for 40 years.
Bergquist, 72, Jamestown, passed away on Thursday, April 24, in SMP Health Ave — Ave Maria. He was serving as the Stutsman County Commission chairman when he passed away.
"He was just one of those guys that loved our community and was involved in every aspect of it," said Scott Edinger, Jamestown chief of police. "Actually, he didn't just talk about how he'd like to make change. He went out and was constantly involved in making change."
A post on Stutsman County's Facebook page on Monday, April 28, says everyone is "shocked and saddened" about Bergquist's death.
"To honor Mr. Bergquist, and to allow County staff the opportunity to attend his funeral, all non-essential County offices will be closed all day this coming Friday, May 2nd, 2025," the Facebook post says.
Bergquist was serving his first four-year term on the Stutsman County Commission. He was elected in November as a write-in candidate.
Klose said Bergquist was doing a "great job" as a county commissioner. He said Bergquist was very knowledgeable about county government operations.
"He was always wanting to know all sides before making a decision and he thought it out well," he said.
Klose said Bergquist was well liked by many people in the community.
"When we reorganized the commission, ... I think every one of the portfolios wanted him on their board because they liked the way he operated and had a way of getting things done," he said.
Bergquist served as the Stutsman County emergency manager for 32 1/2 years before retiring in 2021.
Klose was a member of the commission when Bergquist was hired as the first emergency manager and 911 coordinator in Stutsman County. Klose said Bergquist did a "very fine" job while he was employed by the county.
"I always kidded him when I went to visit with him that he had so many damn many awards that they are going to have to build another wall to hang them all on," Klose said. "He was recognized quite a few times at the state level."
After Bergquist was hired, he managed the process of establishing addresses for people living in the country, The Jamestown Sun reported in June 2021. That replaced the rural routes that previously served as addresses outside cities. The 911 system in Stutsman County was the second countywide system in the state when it became operational in 1990.
Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jessica Moser said Bergquist was excited to help her in her new role and share his knowledge about emergency management.
"There was no one who was more selfless and willing to serve the community and making sure we were on the right path as far as being proactive in safety, mitigation and preparedness," she said.
Scott Cebula, Stutsman County Communications Center/911 supervisor, worked with Bergquist from 2005 to 2021. Cebula said Bergquist was an extremely hard worker who put in a lot of hours.
"He's gonna be sorely missed," he said. "He had a wealth of knowledge that nobody else had concerning the county and 911 operations as a whole because he basically is the one who put together the 911 for Stutsman County way back in the day."
Edinger said Bergquist did a great job working with all the agencies while he was employed by the county.
"The guy knew everything that was going on," he said. "He was just really detail oriented, and was always looking to improve things and make sure he did the best for the community that he could."
Edinger said Bergquist also was involved with different organizations and served on their boards as well. Bergquist's obituary says he served on committees and boards for the Jamestown Salvation Army, St. John's Academy (Foundation for Advancement of Christian Education), South Central Homeless Coalition, American Red Cross, Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce committees, emergency planning committees, land use and transportation planning, Central Valley Health District Board of Health, Stutsman County Weed Board, Jamestown Regional Airport Authority, Stutsman County Human Rights Coalition and was treasurer of the Jamestown Amateur Radio Club.
"It's hard to find somebody that cares that much and is involved as deeply as he was," Edinger said.
Bergquist was named the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2020, an award that was co-shared with Reuben and Clarice Liechty. He also received the chamber's Above and Beyond Award in 2009.
When Bergquist was named the Citizen of the Year, he told The Jamestown Sun that the award "raises the bar" but it would not change the way he did his job and participate in the community.
"Keep doing what I've been doing," he said. "Trying to make the community a safer and better place."
Eddy Funeral Home is handling Bergquist's funeral arrangements. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, at St. James Basilica in Jamestown. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 2, at St. James Basilica. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
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