Thomas I. Ferry

Thomas I. Ferry Sr. 97, Rural Manvel, ND, died Friday, October 17, 2008 at home. Thomas Irwin Ferry Sr. was born on December 5, 1910; son of Joseph and Margaret Murphy) Ferry. He was educated in the rural schools and graduated from Manvel High School in 1929. Thomas entered the Army March 4, 1942, and was attached to Co. A. 22nd Armored Engr. Bn. He served in Rhineland, Central Europe, Ardennes, Normandy and Northern France. He received the Purple Heart ribbon for wounds received in action on September 15, 1944, in Germany. He was also awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with One Silver Campaign Star. Thomas was discharged October 19, 1945. On September 8, 1952, he became the rural mail carrier at Manvel which he held for 21 years until he retired June 20, 1973. Thomas married Regina Eblen on January 10, 1946 at Oslo, Minnesota. They reside on the original homestead of his grandfather, Peter Ferry. The farm has been in the Ferry name since 1874. Thomas farmed with his sons, Tom and Tim. He is survived by his wife and five children; Rita (Duane) Bry, Manvel; Ruth Ann Gerszewski, Grand Forks; Tom (Bonnie); Tim (Rhea) of Manvel and Arlene of Plymouth, Mn. 13 grandchildren; Jeff Bry, Fargo; Jennifer (Dave) Harrison, Manvel; Mark (Sarah) Bry, Grand Forks; Mike Bry, Aurora, II; Jill and Jake Gerszewski, Grand Forks; Erin, Maggi, Logan, Katie, Ben, Abbie, and Callie Ferry of Manvel; 5 great-grandchildren; Chloe and Chase Bry; Lauren, Ryan, and Grant Harrison. He is survived by one sister, Mary Klave, Grand Forks Thomas is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Manvel American Legion; and St. Timothy's Catholic Church serving as a Trustee. He was preceded in death by brothers, Edward, Patrick, Sheldon, Vincent, Stewart, Arthur, Earl and Fletcher; sister, Marguerite Dubuque; and son-in-law, Joe Gerszewski.