Bernard J. Gerrity, 89

Bernard J. Gerrity, 89, of Polson, passed away from natural causes at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. Bernard was born in Ray, N.D., to Patrick and Elizabeth Gerrity. After graduating from high school in Williston, N.D., Bernard joined the U.S. Army.

Following his four years in the Army, Bernard went to work for an airplane manufacturer, Northrup. He went on to be an apprentice carpenter in California and earned his journeyman's license. He moved back to Montana and worked on Libby Dam, Hungry Horse Dam, and helped set up pot lines at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant.

Bernard met and married Betty Hewitt and they moved to Polson in 1968. They farmed and ranched in Valley View until they retired and moved to town.

Bernard was active with the Father O'Maley Council #6260 Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was also active as a HAM radio operator.

Bernard and Betty also enjoyed traveling, especially to Bernard's 191st Battalion Army reunions.

Bernard's parents, brothers Robert, Francis, Dan, sister Florence, and stepson Dick Hewitt preceded him in death.

Surviving Bernard are his wife, Betty; son, Jim and his wife, Tammy; daughter, Laurie and her husband, Brad; stepsons, Thomas and his wife, Deana and Gary and his wife, Denise; grandchildren, Matthew, Brandon, Derek, Eric, and Emily; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at Grogan Funeral Home. Vigil service will follow at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Jim Connor officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at 3:30 p.m. at C. E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. A reception will immediately follow the services at the church.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.