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Brock Gussiaas
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Brock Allen Gussiaas, 28, a fourth generation North Dakota farmer, died Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.
Brock was born on January 21, 1986, at the Carrington Health Center alongside his twin sister, Brittney, to Roger and Stacey (Hertel) Gussiaas. Brock was raised in Carrington on the Gussiaas Family Farm and attended Carrington Public Schools. He was a valued member of the Carrington Cardinals’ Wrestling Team, medaling 3 times at the State Tournament (2001, 2002, 2004). Brock also enjoyed playing other sports, such as baseball and golf. Brock graduated from Carrington High School in May 2004.
Then he attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, majoring in Agricultural Economics. He graduated four years later with a Bachelor’s Degree in May of 2008.
After college, Brock returned to Carrington to do what he loved to do, work on his family’s farm with his father, Roger. Together, Roger and Brock owned and operated their farm just outside Carrington that produced mainly corn and soybeans, but also a few other small grains. He was a 50/50 partner and president of Gussiaas Family Farm Inc. along with being the vice president and sales manager of Healthy Oilseeds, LLC. In addition to this, Brock was vice president of Green Mile Oils, LLC, a business that sells specialty oils throughout the world. In 2010, Brock was instrumental in having Healthy Oilseeds be awarded “Exporter of the Year” from North Dakota Trade Office. Brock was very important in growing the family farm, both locally and internationally. Agriculture was his passion, and he did whatever he could to keep learning and improving to make the farm more successful in production agriculture. This winter Brock completed TEPAP through Texas A&M, which is the most intense and premier farm management program in the world.
Through their export business Brock was able to travel to over 30 countries worldwide along with many states. He represented Healthy Oilseeds, LLC in selling specialty oil seeds and oils to many different countries on North Dakota trade missions on many different occasions. Brock thoroughly enjoyed all his travels.
In addition to his professional work, Brock was very involved in the Carrington community. He was the Carrington Junior High’s wrestling coach, helping to shape many of Carrington’s wrestlers. He also volunteered as a Pit Crew wrestling coach several hours a week. He enjoyed working with kids and helping them pursue their goals. The kids he coached loved him both as a coach and a friend.
Brock was as an avid sports fan and in particular he loved Bison football. He was a NDSU Teammaker and traveled to all three of the Bison’s recent football championship games. His presence will be deeply missed at NDSU games.
Brock loved life and lived it to the fullest. As he would say on a regular basis, he was “livin’ the dream”. Brock lived the statement “If you want to love what you do, do what you love”. By far the most important part of Brock’s life was his family and his friends. His good-natured jokes and infectious laugh will be missed.
Brock is survived by his father Roger (Nurgul) of Carrington; mother Stacey Hertel of Bismarck, ND; twin sister Brittney (Bryce) Brunswig of Gretna, NE, sister Amanda (Dustin) Kleppe of Fargo; a niece Ainsleigh and a nephew Hudson, both of Gretna, NE; grandparents Jerry and Gladys Hertel of Pingree, ND; and a great grandmother Mildred Hertel also of Pingree.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Mervin “Stub” Gussiaas and his grandmother, Marie Gussiaas.
This beloved son, uncle, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend was taken too soon, but his memory and legacy will go on.
A memorial fund will be set up in Brock’s name to go towards a higher education agricultural scholarship.
PRAYER SERVICE: Friday May 30th at 7:00PM, Trinity Lutheran Church FUNERAL SERVICE: Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND DATE AND TIME: Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 10:30AM BURIAL: Carrington Cemetery, Carrington ND
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Posted Condolences:
(scroll down to send a condolence)
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Name: Kent Ableidinger
Date: June 6
Message: Lyla and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Roger, Stacey and family. Always know that Brock is by your side and will be reunited with you in Heaven.
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Name: Tom Schumacher
Date: June 4, 2014
Message: Dear Roger and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your son Brock...I can see that Brock was a very talented, smart and wonderful young man. I trust that the Lord fill your hearts with His presence in the absence of your son Brock. My prayers and heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. I pray that God comforts you with His presence...
From Tom Schumacher Chiang Rai Thailand
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Name: Dina
Date: 06/02/2014
Message: When Brock and I became Linked-in buddies or what ever that is called, I said I have to see that young man again. He surely did great things in a too short life and was my hero for speaking on my behalf those many years ago. We were unable to attend the funeral because we are out of state . You, Roger, were about his age when we first met and his smile in the picture was so like yours. In your grief know that others who knew him at every age are grieving with you.
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Name: Ken and Peg Irmen
Date: 5/31/2014
Message: Dear Gussiaas Family,
We briefly got to know Brock because he was such a great friend to our nephew Joey Irmen. Brock was so friendly and personable, you could not immediately like him and want him for a friend. We cannot fathom your sorrow at his passing at such a young age. Our prayers and sympathy are with you.
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Name: Kristy Holland
Date: 5/31/14
Message: Roger, Stacy and family I'm so sorry to hear about Brock. I pray for God to carry you through this time. Brock was a lot younger then me but I have only heard good things about him.
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Name: Julene (Mahin) Thom
Date: 5/31/14
Message: Dear Stacey, Roger, and family, So sorry to hear of the sudden, tragic loss of your son, Brock. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
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Name: Meredith Power
Date: 5/31/14
Message: I'm heartbroken over your family's loss of Brock. Many in your family told me that if I could just know him, I'd understand why his loss was so devastating. I don't disagree, but how much he is loved tells me more about Brock and his character than one could imagine!!! My sincerest sympathies to all who loved Brock. I can only hope that God gives your family His peace in the days to come. I'm so sorry for your loss of a clearly amazing guy! God's blessings to all those who mourn Brock's passing.
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Name: Deb
Date: 5/31/2014
Message: Just reading about what a wonderful young man Brock was plus all of his accomplishments in his short life made me very sad for your family. Be very proud that you raised a remarkable young man who lived his life to the fullest and obviously enjoyed every aspect of his life. Prayers go out to you during this extremely hard time. You have a very special guardian angel watching over all of you now.
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Name: Sharon Klein
Date: 5-30-2014
Message: Roger and Stacey and Family,
Our deepest sympathy during this great time of loss for everyone who knew or was touched by your son, Brock. From reading his accomplishments in life, he definitely touched young and old and was a great representative of his profession. May memories sustain you of Brock now and in the future. God only harvests the very best, just as Brock harvested only the very best of his crops. Take care and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon and Harlan Klein
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Name: Jerry & Ellen Liddle
Date: 5-30-14
Message: We were shocked and saddened to hear about Brock. May you feel the comfort of God's presence as you grieve your loss. You are in our prayers.
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Name: Vicki Glander
Date: 5/30/14
Message: Stacey, Brittney and Amanda,
I am so sorry to hear of the Brock's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Cherish the memories and he is in your heart forever.
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Name: Glenn & Robin Anderson
Date: 5-30-14
Message: Deepest sympathies from our family. Brock was a big part of our wrestling community and always willing to help out. Bridger will miss him in the practice room and at duals. Cedar often commented this winter about visits she had with Brock while doing wrestling stats and how much she liked him. He will be missed by us all. Sorry we can't make the funeral due to rodeos this weekend. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Robin, Glenn, Bridger, Cedar & Dawsyn
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Name: Logan Lunde
Date: 5/30/2014
Message: Dear Gussiaas family, I am deeply saddened to hear your loss. I got to know Brock through my high school years of wrestling. He was nothing but a Class Act on and off the mat. Wrestling is a close-knit family and word travels very quickly. You and your family are in our prayers.Sincerely,
Logan, The Lunde family, and the ND Wrestling Community.
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Name: Dawn Lunski (Hirsch)
Date: 5-30-14
Message: Roger, Stacey, and family
I am so sorry to hear about Brock. I have fond memories of babysitting your kids growing up. Such cuties! Through the years when I've come back to Carrington, I usually always ran into Brock (since he hung out with my brother Jim)and it was fun getting to know him as a nice and funny young man. My heart breaks for all of you. May your memories help get you through this unbearably tough time. Love Dawn (Hirsch) Lunski
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Name: Sarah (Klein) Danielson
Date: 5/30/14
Message: Dear Roger, Stacey, Brittney, and Amanda, My heart goes out to all of you during this incredibly challenging time. I had the joy of reconnecting with Brock this past year during some Bison football games and was reminded of his fun-loving spirit and zest for life, especially for farming and wrestling! He loved to share stories and often expressed how grateful he was for his community of friends and family. His is a beautiful soul. I am sending prayers and love your way and hope that the days ahead may be interspersed with a sense of comfort from the support of family and friends, the sharing of memories, and God's gentle hand holding you up.
In deepest sympathy,
Sarah
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Name: Shawn & Janelle Marcotte
Date: 5/30/14
Message: Brocks Family,
Words cannot express the pain we feel for your loss. Brock was always so friendly towards us. Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Shawn & Janelle Marcotte
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Name: Patty (Barthel)Woods
Message: Dear Roger and family.
Our family sends our sympathies and praying for your family.
I did not know Brock personally, but sounded like a great person.
There are no words to ease the pain and lose your feeling.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Patty, Valerie and Staci
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Name: Angela Kutz and Family
Message: Roger and Gussiass Family,
Words cannot express how truly sorry we are that Brock was taken from this Earth so suddenly. He was such a wonderful person and friend. Please know we pray for you all daily. God must have a plan that we do not understand.
Sincerely,
Angela and Family
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Name: Schmoo and Wendy
Date: 5-30-2014
Message: Dear Roger and Family. We are so saddened to hear of Brock's passing, our hearts are breaking along with yours. Brock was a true friend in every definition of the word. Everything about him will be greatly missed.
Love and Prayers - Schmoo and Wendy
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Name: Mr and Mrs. Dennis Ihringer
Date: 5/30/2014
Message: Our prayers and condolences go out to your family. May God give you peace and Brock's memory make you smile.
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Name: Wayne & Denise Shipman & family
Date: 5/30/14
Message: We are very saddened by the loss of this life that was all too short, may Brock's smile and memory live on in your hearts. Our sympathies go out to each of you during this difficult time.
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Name: Donna
Date: 5-30-14
Message: To all of you: my deepest sympathy, Even thou I never met Brock, from what his mom said, He his passion is the farm. Blessing's to all of you. Donna
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Name: Doyle Lentz
Date: 5/29/2014
Message: Roger and family, we are so very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Doyle Lentz family
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Name: Dale Klein
Date: 5-29-14
Message: Dear Roger and family,
I was so sadden to hear of Brock's passing. He was always a joy to be around at all the Bison games We attended together. He loved to visit about all his farming activities and I just loved his enthusiasm . He was so full of life and made everyone around him feel special. I know I did and like all of you, he will be missed greatly!
Mary and I will have him and your whole family in our prayers.
Dale Klein
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Name: Claire and Jill Vigesaa
Date: 5-29-2014
Message: Roger, Stacey, Brittney, and Amanda, We are so sorry to hear of Brock's passing, what a great loss. May our God of Comfort help you through this difficult experience. Words can't express our deep sympathy...so hard...
Claire and Jill
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Name: Steven & Barbara Hochhalter
Date: May 29, 2014
Message: Roger, Stacey, Brittney and Amanda. So sorry to hear of the passing of Brock. Your thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
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Name: Woody Barth
Date: 5/29/14
Message: The Gussiaas Family
Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to all. His memory will live with us.
The Barth's
Woody, Carmell, Rachel
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Name: Harthan Family
Date: 29 may 14
Message: Our family sends our sympathies. So sorry for your loss. Our family is praying for you. Sandy and Amanda(Mccraven) Laura(West) and Todd
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Name: Linda Briggs
Date: 05/29/2014
Message: Dear Roger and Family: I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Brock. My heart grieves for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless Brock's memory - Linda Briggs
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Name: Kari Janz
Date: 5/29/14
Message: Dear Stacey, Roger, Brittney & Amanda, Steve & I were so sorry to hear of Brock's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Brock was always such a wonderful kid, he will be missed so much. God Bless your family. Steve & Kari Janz
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Name: Gary Klein
Date: 5/28/14
Message: Dear Roger and Family,
So very saddened to learn of this sudden loss. Brock was so much fun to be around at Bison tailgating events. He was always smiling and speaking with such exuberance on so many topics. The young man has left his mark on those who knew him and did much in a short time.
My prayers and thoughts will be with you in the coming days and months.
God Bless---Gary Klein
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Name: Al and Sandy Trader
Date: 5-28-14
Message: Dear Roger and Family,
We are sending our deepest sympathy and prayers. Our hearts ache for all of you...we loved having Brock for our neighbor and friend. He will be missed!!!
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