Paul Bry

Paul Elton Bry, 96, Grand Forks, ND passed away at Woodside Village on Monday, May 11, 2015. He was born on January 20, 1919 in Grand Forks, the son of Edwin O. and Nellie Bry of Manvel. Paul attended school there and was an energetic creative individual. He had special mechanical ability and, in his late teens, he built a snow plane. At the age of 18, he went to the Milwaukee School of Engineering. After a year, he moved to Long Beach, CA and spent three years welding in a war ships building area. After the war, Paul returned to Manvel and made a career of farming. He loved the beauty of nature and enjoyed outdoor activities. Paul was an active member of United Lutheran Church for many years and enjoyed the many friends, pastors, Bible study groups and choirs. Paul had memberships in the Sons of Norway, The Civil Air Patrol, both the Manvel and Grand Forks Senior Citizens groups and the Barber Shop Chorus. One real joy of his life was music. In addition to chorus singing, Paul was a lead singer in the Happy Norseman quartet. Paul was a very happy friendly person who loved to sing and visit. On February 27, 1949, Paul married his first love, Lula Kinney and they have lived in Grand Forks since then. Lula was employed at Deaconess at that time and Paul continued to farm. They had many wonderful years together gardening, fishing, camping, traveling and visiting their children. At mid life, Paul semi-retired from farming and was employed at a manufacturing company in Grand Forks. After ten years of employment, he was called to be a teacher at the East Grand Forks Technical College. He taught for 14 years until his retirement at age 69. Paul is survived by his wife, Lula; children, Daniel (Paula), Rockford, IL, Douglas (Michelle), Fairfield Bay, AR, Debra Ann, Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Susan Carivillo, Patti Kolbo, Keith Bry, Kyle Bry, Carly Bry and Miranda Bry;great-grandchildren; Mya, Lauren, Zach, Abby, Noah, Emma, Caden and Colten and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Paul is also survived by a special brother, Duane (Rita), Manvel, ND; and three sisters, Lorraine Lundquist, Elaine Coleman and Barbara Johnson. Paul is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Vernon, Kenneth, Robert and Edwin, Jr. and by a sister, Doris Lorents. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 20, 2015 in United Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for two hours before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park South of Grand Forks.