Gerald C. Quam, age 84, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 12, 2026. A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2 PM at St. John’s Catholic Church, Wahpeton, ND, with a visitation one hour prior, with Fr. Robert Foertsch officiating. Interment will be at a later date.
Gerald was born on December 2, 1941, in Breckenridge, MN, to Clifton and Marcella Quam. He attended Hall Township Elementary School in rural Sargent County and graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1959. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at NDSU and graduated with a B.S. in Ag Econ. He went home each spring to help his dad at the farm.
Gerald married the love of his life, Janice Hammond, on December 29, 196,4 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wyndmere. They lived on the family farm west of Wyndmere for 46 years, where they raised three children, farmed, and operated a cattle feedlot.
He was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Wyndmere and served in the Knights of Columbus. In retirement, Gerald and Jan moved to Wahpeton in the fall of 2010, enjoyed summers at Rush Lake, and living life to the fullest surrounded by family and friends. In 2023, they moved to Twin Town Villa in Breckenridge.
His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He enjoyed following their activities and sports and was their biggest cheerleader. He was a devoted fan of NDSU football and the New York Yankees. In a loving effort to spare his kids a lifetime of disappointment, he encouraged them not to follow the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed bowling, Texas Hold ‘Em, and Baja Rummy. He was known for his love of good company and a good time, whether it was enjoying a Cuba Libre in a red Solo cup, singing along to Chug-A-Lug, or holding his transistor radio to his ear during an NDSU game, often spoiling the outcome before the rest of us knew what happened.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice Quam; daughter Renee (Duane) Braun of Mooreton; sons Gregg (Annette) Quam of Portland, TX and Brett Quam of Wyndmere; Renita Quam of Wyndmere; seven grandchildren: Brandon (Justine) Braun; Lexi (Levi) Lawson; Jens Quam; Julia, Jared, Justin and Jenna Quam; four great grandchildren: Ivan and Clara Braun; Kinley and Ty Lawson; sisters, Rosine Quam and Maureen (Myles) Vosberg; and numerous relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Marcella Quam; father and mother-in-law, Floyd and Vera Hammond; sister, Rachel Fox; brothers-in-law, Bill Fox and James Hammond.
While he will be deeply missed, the joy and memories he gave us will remain with us always.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CHI Hospice of Breckenridge or Jessy’s Toy Box.
For people attending Gerald’s service, we would love for them to wear a red shirt or an NDSU Bison shirt, as those were his favorite and only color/clothing you would find him in!
