Gary Allen Bratvold

Gary Allen Bratvold, 77, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley, MN.

Gary was born on January 11, 1948, in Grand Forks, ND, to Orien and Delores Bratvold. He grew up, along with his beloved younger sister, Sandra, in the Grand Forks area and attended East Grand Forks High School, where he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from the University of North Dakota, a master's degree in Secondary Guidance and a master's degree in Education from Bemidji State University, and a Specialist degree from St. Cloud State University. He served as part of the Bagley school system beginning in the mid-70s, initially hired as a vocational education instructor, became director of vocational education in 1975, and was promoted to high school principal in 1983. He served in that capacity until 1991, when he became superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 2006. Gary was at the helm of the new $12 million state-of-the-art high school constructed and opened in 1996, along with the remodeling of the prior facility. He was honored to be selected as Administrator of the Year for District 29. He later went on to teach postgraduate studies at Moorhead State University and serve as principal at Ponemah. Gary's career was a testament to his lifelong commitment to making every decision with the students' best interests first.

Gary married Jean Jensen in 1975, and they were divorced in 2009. Gary and Jean had two children, Jared and Jenna, who were the lights of his life. Gary was a devoted father, and he enjoyed spending time with his beloved children and family, including his sister, Sandy Ruud, brother-in-law, Douglas Ruud, and his nieces and nephew and their spouses, Ivory Ruud (Daniel Hoseck), Brandon (Jennifer) Ruud, and Megan (Quinn) Thompson. Gary's daughter-in-law, Kathryn (Kitchen) Bratvold, and his grandsons, Hagen and Harris Bratvold, had special places in his heart.

Gary was an active part of the Bagley community, volunteering for many years for both Hospice and Meals on Wheels. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club and also volunteered with the Lions Club. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, fishing, and going to UND hockey games. Gary moved to Twin Valley, MN, in 2016. He was blessed with great friends and neighbors in both Bagley and Twin Valley. Later in life, Gary enjoyed traveling, gardening, mowing, cooking, cheering on his favorite teams, and spending time with loved ones. Gary lived a life grounded in making each day positive and meaningful. He was always looking for a way to help others.

Gary is survived by his son Jared (Kathryn) of Utah; his daughter Jenna of Plymouth, MN; and his grandchildren Hagen and Harris of UT. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orien and Delores Bratvold.

In lieu of flowers, Gary's family requests that memorials be directed to Hospice or to the Clearwater County Food Shelf.