Garry L. Fandrich

Garry Fandrich, 76, Bismarck, passed away October 23, 2024. 

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, November 1 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will greet guests one hour prior.

Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Garry was born on October 15, 1948 to Louie and Pauline (Wittmayer) Fandrich in Beulah. He was raised and educated in New Salem. In 1968, he married Arlene Olheiser, and to this union, Paula, Jody, and Kimberly were born. For several years, he worked at and managed grain elevators., along with construction and various odd jobs. Garry and Arlene owned the Friendly Bar in Golden Valley for a few years.

In 1993, Garry married Carol Hausauer in Osnabrock, ND. Together they ran restaurants first in Osnabrock and later in McVille, before returning to Osnabrock where Garry managed the elevator in town. They moved to Fargo for a short time, where they started managing apartments. In 1995, they moved to Bismarck where Garry managed Apartments before his retirement in 2015.

Garry was a great pool player. He was a talented musician, playing guitar and singing in a band. Over the years, he managed to win music contests. Garry had a soft spot for dogs, and it all started with his first dog, Chloe. Over the years, he had several dogs, treating them like family and giving them the best life possible. Katie, Abby and Lizzy (his grand-dog), all held a special place in his heart. 

Garry liked to make wood signs, most of which carried a cheeky joke or anything to bring a smile. He was quite the joker, and this was reflected in his signs! Not too many of his signs could be displayed as common household décor, but his family and friends always had a smile and laugh when they received a wood sign. He will be missed!

He is survived by his wife, Carol, Bismarck; children, Paula (Brian) Tofte, Montevideo, MN, Jody (Lindsay Friesz) Fandrich, Turtle Lake, and Kimberly (Aaron) Preabt, Bismarck; Carol’s children, Howard Hausauer, Teresa (Ray) Martinez, TX, Tammy (David) Boone, Baldwin, and Duane Thiesen, TX; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Rob (Jeanine) Fandrich, Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Loretta Fandrich, Margie Steckler, Lloyd Fandrich, and Aaron Fandrich.