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 Northern Pacific Railroad frequently moved them to various places. When Jo turned 12 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 Center Island, WA; and seven loving nieces.
*** Due to COVID-19 guidelines we are asking that attendance at the memorial service be limited to close family and friends. There will be a reception following the memorial service at Bridge Park. ***
Della says
my condolences sent. I remember years ago Keith let me charge boots to go firefighting. He was kind. I remember being able to charge. Times have changed. Prayers said for their families
Ronette M Natal says
Sending my condolences to his Family.
Margo Hellickson says
The Officers and Members of Yellowstone Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star, extend their sympathy on the loss of your parents.
Dale Buckles says
Jan, you’re in my thoughts and prayers, your entire family. A lot of memories… you and your family celebrate how special your Dad and Mom were to so many. Take care Jan.
Dale Buckles
monie witt says
Loved shopping and talking to Keith or Mrs. Blair when in high school. Always had a charge account as I had to
have the next new color of saddle pants when they came in. Since Keith was a good friend of my brother Floyd was kept up on all the fun class reunions they had. Fun memories.
monie witt
Winnifred schafer says
My deepest condolences I remember him when I was a child .my grandma used to charge at his store he was a very good man always thought about others
Diana Eissinger Yarger says
Remembering this couple fondly…Good friends of my parents, Roy & Margaret..Bryan’s store had everything or anything! We loved shopping the high quality clothing & chatting with Keith & Jo..Many memories of them .. RIP Keith & Jo
Curley Youpee says
Thank you for supporting the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and bringing the Shriners to the town of Poplar. it was great fun for the children.RIP
carol meredith says
What wonderful memories our family has of good times we had with the Keith and Jo Bryan family. They had a good life and will be missed by the community members of Wolf Point. I wear a poncho that I bought at their store in the 80’s (we left Wolf Point 1985) and still get compliments on it. My thoughts and prayers were certainly with you as you celebrated their lives. Wish we could have been there to give you hugs (swesaring masks of course).
Carol, Kim and Mark ..
Chantelle Amundson says
My deepest sympathies to the family. The world lost two incredible people, who have made such an enormous impact on people.
They will never be forgotten. RIP