Carolyn “Jill” Gessner
April 24, 1963 – May 11, 2021
Carolyn “Jill” Gessner passed away May 11th, 2021, at her Garrison lake home.
Jill was born April 24th, 1963, to Jim and Carole (Levadney) Rufus in Minot, ND. She graduated from Minot High School in 1981 and continued on to receive her degree in accounting and master’s degree in Business from Minot State University.
Jill marries her partner-in-crime, Warren Gessner, on April 27th, 1985. They shared a passion for softball, volleyball, fishing, camping, horses and golf, and their relationship was always one to look up to. Warren and Jill raised their daughter, Sydney, in Minot before eventually moving to their lake cabin near Garrison.
Jill worked on Minot Air Force Base as an auditor for over 17 years, then accepted a position with the McLean County FSA office in Garrison.
Jill was a fun-loving, strong woman with a beautiful smile and infectious laugh. Her and Warren spent their free time fishing, where Jill won many 1st, most, and biggest Walleye contests. She was famous for her pickles, salsa and pickled asparagus. Jill always had a beautiful garden, with many vegetable plants, though she always favored her tomatoes.
Jill loved her granddaughters, Cameron and Hadley, more than anything. She made sure they never had a want for anything and lit up and was always so happy when they were around. Her and Warren loved watching them any time they had the chance. Her dog, Jax, also kept her very busy, whether it was taking him for rides in the 4-wheeler or throwing the ball for him. Jill always had a passion for animals, and it showed in her beautiful relationship with Jax.
Jill is survived by her husband, Warren Gessner, Daughter, Sydney (Matt) Hiatt, Granddaughters, Cameron and Hadley Hiatt, Mother, Carole Rufus, brothers Terry Rufus, Galen Rufus and Lee Rufus, and many nieces and nephews.
Jill is preceded in death by her father, Jim Rufus, and her brother, Pat Rufus.
A graveside memorial will be held at a later date.
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