Geraldine Dell Frison "Gerry Dell" Gauthier

Gerry Dell Gauthier was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 3, 1945, to George Frison and Faye Evangeline Marvin Frison. She was the granddaughter of Johannes Frison and Magdelena Senger who immigrated from Russia to North Dakota in 1888. On her mother side, she was the granddaughter of Warren Marvin and Eula Dell Bonser who had ties to the Mayflower. She was very proud of her heritage.

Gerry Dell lived most of her life in Detroit and later in Southgate, Michigan. In September 1962, she moved to Palm Springs, California, to attend high school and graduated from Palm Springs High School in 1963. While in high school she enjoyed spending summers in North Dakota with her cousins Eddie and Marion. This experience gave her a love for North Dakota. Her father was from Devils Lake, so she frequently traveled to North Dakota. She admired Eddie and delighted in seeing him with the horses.

Gerry Dell later married Dave Gauthier in San Bernardino, California, and together they raised three children, Davina Dell, David George, and Gerald Gauthier. While married to Dave, he served in the Navy during the Viet Nam conflict. She was a Navy wife with three small children, traveling and living in many places on the East Coast and Hawaii. Following Dave's discharge, the family moved to Northern California where they resided in various cities. While there, Gerry Dell was a housewife raising three children and attending college; she liked studying anthropology.

Gerry Dell loved visiting and good times with her Uncle Tim (her mother's brother) and her Aunt Helen (mother's sister). She adored both of them, and they loved her very much. She enjoyed flying with her Cousin Billy. She wanted him to teach her to fly. Another dream was to walk on the beach in North Dakota with Aiden and dig for dinosaur bones.


For a few years, Gerry Dell lived in Palm Desert, spending much time with her grandchildren Taylor, TJ, Camryn, and Savannah. She loved them very much and cherished the time she spent with them. Until her death, she would always say how proud she was of all of her grandchildren. Gerry Dell loved God and had a special love for animals as well as a huge, kind heart for those in need. She was always willing to share what she had with those who had less.

Gerry Dell was a hard worker and performed a variety of jobs during her life, one being a Certified Appraiser. She loved working with antiques and collectible jewelry and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt in a yard looking for treasurers. Her last employment was with Walmart in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Gerry Dell survives through her daughter Davina, son David (wife Adrienne), and son Gerald (wife Margo). She has 9 wonderful grandchildren, Taylor, TJ, Camryn, Savannah, Aiden, Darcie, Sereiba, Saharava Faye, and Dakarie who brought her great joy. Along with her sister Patty of La Quinta, Ca. Gerry Dell was preceded in death by her father George, mother Faye and half sister Alyne (Mickey) Frezon Faoro.

North Dakota was her love. She enjoyed so much the outside farm life. For many years, it would pull her back. It must have been the true spirit of being born into a family of immigrants that are Germans from Russia. She had a family who loved her and will miss her very much, especially her sister Patty.