Long-time Bismark resident, Gerald Paul Prouty, 68, died September 1, 2015, at the home of his sister in Newport Coast, CA. After surviving a massive heart attack in CA on Dec.24th, 2014, Jerry slowly began to recover. With a positive attitude and cheery disposition, he worked hard to regain his strength. After 8 months of dialysis and physical therapy, his weakened heart failed. All those who cared for him were impressed by his courageous fight.



Jerry was born in Bismark, ND, on June 14, 1947, to Theo and Virgil Prouty. Jerry had one sibling, his sister, JoAnn. Growing up, Jerry enjoyed stamp collecting, band, church youth group and choir activities, as well as life guarding at Hillside Pool. Jerry was graduated from Bismark High School in 1965 and Gustavus Adolphus College in 1969. Upon graduation from college Jerry went to Mayasia to teach in a Chinese school, under the auspices of the Lutheran Church, where he lived for 2 1/2 years. During his tenure in Maylasia, he traveled to many neighboring countries and around the world on his way home. This experience fueled his lifelong love of travel and adventure. Always independant, Jerry was comfortable going off the beaten track to explore and experience new and diverse cultures. Camera in hand, he would come home with wonderful stories and beautiful photographs. Energized by each trip he took, Jerry would look forward to a new adventure each summer. Jerry was an accomplished artist and well-known in local art circles. He was a master of color and his portrait drawings were exceptional. His love of history and respect for the local Native American culture inspired him to paint a beautiful portrait of Hattie, the last living full-blood Mandan Native American.



After teaching art and history at Wachter Junior High for 9 years, in 1981 Jerry started working for Satrum Travel Agency as a tour guide, and then started his own travel company, PROUTY TRAVEL AND TOURS in 1986. He was an exceptional tour guide throughout the United States. In 2002, he returned to teaching art and history at South Central High School in Bismarck where he thoroughly enjoyed his students and colleagues. Due to his illness, Jerry took an early retirement as he was not able to return to Bismarck to finish his final year as an educator.



Jerry is survived by his loving sister, JoAnn, who cared for him during the eight months he was convalescing in CA, his nephew, Kevin, Kevin's daughter, Aynsley, and a large extended family who loved him very much. Jerry's last trip, which took place the summer of 2014, was to Norway where he visited his Norwegian relatives. He loved Norway and his Norwegian cousins, and was warmly received on each visit. Jerry had many friends with whom he maintained close contact over the years. He greatly appreciated the love and support he received from them as he convalesced in CA. All those who knew Jerry will always remember his sense of humor, robust laugh and zest for life.



A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 am, September 26th, at the First Lutheran Church located on 800 North 7th Street, Bismark, North Dakota. There will be a reception at the church following the service.



Memorials may be sent to South Central High School, 406 S. Anderson Street, Bismarck, ND 58504 with a memo Jerry Prouty Memorial Kiln fund.