Mary Joan “Jo” Bryan, age 89, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of June 27th, 2020 in Wolf Point, MT.
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Hugh and Marion Whitten on May 9th, 1931, Jo spent her younger years traveling with her family as her father’s job as an Engineer for the Great Northern Railroad frequently moved them to various places. When Jo turned 11 she was excited to become a big sister to her brother Russ.
Jo graduated from Jamestown College in North Dakota with a degree in English. It was during her school years at Jamestown that she was fortunate enough to meet the love of her life, Keith Bryan. Keith and Jo married on March 5th 1951 and went on to raise four children together in their small, cherished town of Wolf Point, MT. Jo was eager to share that Wolf Point was the first town she lived in for more than two consecutive years. She went on to make Wolf Point her home for 69 years.
Jo dedicated her time to raising her children and serving her community. Together, Keith and Jo ran the successful family business of Bryan’s department store. Never one to shy away from a challenge or an opportunity, Jo supported Keith in many successful business ventures throughout their marriage. When their children were old enough to work, Jo and Keith purchased an A&W Root beer franchise and hired their kids and other local high school students as car hops, cooks, and more. Jo loved to share stories of how the A&W root beer was made and the time it took to get the flavor “just right”.
Jo was a member of many community organizations and humbly gave back to residents of Wolf Point each and every day. She was a long standing member of Eastern Star, served as the Presbyterian Church secretary for many years, and also served as the secretary for the Riverview Home for children when it was first established. Jo was a strong supporter of the Al Bedoo temple and stood proudly by Keith when he served as Potentate in 1980. Jo enjoyed entertaining and having gatherings in her home and community. She loved cooking and always had a new recipe to share. Her grandchildren will never forget her famous Swedish Meatballs at Christmas time that were sent frozen in coffee cans through the mail to their homes. Though she could never tell you the exact recipe, we know they tasted so good because they were made with love. Jo never let bad grammar go uncorrected, or elbows to be on the table at dinner time and knew that good manners were a necessity in life. She could always be found playing cards with anyone who would challenge her to a game. She especially loved playing Bridge and always encouraged playing for money. She was eager to teach new card players the tricks of the games and to help them to learn to play strategically. She would then laugh and encourage another game after she beat you at cards again. After retirement, Jo spent many days on the lake at their home on Ft. Peck Lake and enjoyed time at the beach in Mexico and Oceanside, California.
Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Keith Bryan; her parents, Hugh and Marion Whitten; and treasured son-in-law, Jerry Fossen.
Survivors include her four children, Mike (Shelley) of Glasgow, MT; George of Denver, CO; Jan of Wolf Point, MT; and Laura Fossen of Whitewood, SD; along with six adored grandchildren Kenny (Sara) Bryan of Glasgow, MT; Keith (Abby) Higgins of Wolf Point, MT; Jessica Robles of Wolf Point MT.; Todd Fossen of Spearfish, SD; Sandra (Patrick) Cass of Sturgis, SD; and Bryana (Nick) Marsicano of Cañon City, CO; seven great grandchildren Matthew Bryan, Archer Higgins, Mia Thomas, EmmahLeigh and Owen Cass and Avery and Reese Marsicano. Jo is also survived by her brother, Russ Whitten of Tucson AZ; and seven loving nieces.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Carol Neutgens says
We are heart broken at yet another devastating loss. Our prayers go out to you all. May you be comforted knowing Jo and Keith are together in God’s paradise. We love you.
Larry and Carol
Jeri and Robert Toavs says
Shelley, Mike and Family,
So sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. Thinking of you all and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Nyla Braaten says
So sorry for your loss.Prayers for the family.
scott taylor says
Jan and Bryan Family….So sorry to hear about your Mother….I also worked at the old A-W as a fry cook….toting those 100 pound sacks of sugar to mix with the root-beer syrup….I’ll always remember Jo after a run of us cooks had quit….I was about the last one still there… except Mark Eggebrecht…I told her of a dream I had the night before…where Mark also pulled the plug…..Along about that time…my uncle Ben Harada called me and offered me a job on a construction crew for over $5.00 an hour…I was only making a little over $1.00 something as a cook…so I couldn’t turn it down…..”Jo..” I said kinda sheepishly….”The Highway Dept. called…and….and…well…it’s over $5.00 an hour!”……I’ll never forget the look she gave me….”YOU AND YOUR DREAMS!”….she bellowed!…..God Bless…Scott
Linda & Steve Nygaard says
Very nice memories. So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you. Bless you and yours. Steve and Linda
Dale M Buckles says
My sincerest condolences to the entire Bryan Family. May your Mom be at peace and with your Dad now Jan. My prayers are with all of you. God bless you all.
Margo Hellickson says
On behalf of the officers and members of Yellowstone Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star, I extend sympathy on the loss of your mother.
Pauly Berge McElhenny says
Mike, George, Jan and Laura, I have many fond memories of your Mom and Dad. My sister and I were a couple of those local high school kids working for them at the A & W. We loved working there summers. My sincerest condolences to all of you. I know you Mom and Dad are at peace now together in Heaven. My prayers are with you.
Al Bets His Medicine says
Hey Jan, I’m so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
Trudy Fox says
Jo’s Family
So sorry to hear of her passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her and Keith and having a drink! She had delightful stories. God Bless You All and will keep you in my prayers.
Trudy
Wanita ( Schultz ) Stupy says
Jan I am saddened to read of your mother, Jo’s passing. She was always such a nice lady . I used to baby sit you and your brothers and little baby Laura. You were also the Flower Girl @ my wedding. Peace Be With You… Wanita Schultz
Warren & Bev Evans says
Jan so sorry for your loss, I enjoyed playing bridge with Jo.
John Neumiller says
Mike, George, Jan, and Laura
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your mother. Moms are so special!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John and Wanda.
Jeannie archdale says
I am so sorry for your loss, i will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
John Marguerite Gysler says
Jo and Keith wonderful neighbors ,kind and generous as noted. Our thoughts often recall how supportive and welcoming neighbors Bryan’s have and continue in our small community. They must be together as they were in life. Rest in peace.
Dwaine and Vivian Wall says
Mike, George, Jan and Laura, Our condolences on the passing of your Mother. My sadness will barely touch your sorrow. I will remember her with thankfulness from the times at the church, and her singing in choir. Her kindness will be remembered by many of us. I have favorite memories – of working at the store that Christmas, and our visits at the store. I miss seeing that large array of pictures of the WWII veterans that my folks would take us kids to see after the Wolf Point Memorial Parade each year. Dad would point out his classmates or neighbors, and we were taught respect of their service via that framed display. She may have been responsible for that. Your Mom was a cheerful and faithful person, and I’m glad to have known her beyond our years of High School Band concerts, George.