Geraldine Juran

Geraldine Ann Juran passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Moorhead, MN.

Geraldine was born on October 13, 1940, in Britton, SD, to Edmund and Francis Bauer. She spent her early years on a small farm in rural Rutland, ND. The family later moved to Stirum, ND, where she attended school. She married Derald Barnett and had her first child, Bryan, before moving to California. After returning to ND, her second child, Bruce, was born. Geraldine then married Phillip Juran and moved to Moorhead, MN. She attended and graduated from the New York Hair Design Academy in Fargo, ND. During this time, Geraldine had her first daughter, Terri. The family moved to Gwinner, ND, where they built a new house. A few years later, they relocated to a dairy farm east of Oakes, ND, and their family continued to grow with the addition of two more daughters, Tina and Tabitha.

Geraldine participated in various farm chores, including driving the tractor, feeding calves, pigs, and bottle lambs, as well as milking cows. After a brief period selling Home Interior products, she began working as a nurse’s assistant at the Oakes Community Hospital, bravely driving the 12 miles of gravel roads that were often covered in snow or ice. When Geraldine was hired by St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, ND, the family decided to sell the farm and permanently relocate to Fargo. There, she transitioned to property management and oversaw one of the largest complexes in Fargo. In the 1990s, Geraldine volunteered for the DECA Program, receiving several awards for her involvement. In 2020, she was nominated for the Senior of the Year Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to enriching the social, cultural, or civic life of the community. For the past 10 years, Geraldine managed a 55-and-older community in Moorhead, MN, operated by Collective. She enjoyed her work, helping residents with issues in their homes while maintaining clean and welcoming property grounds. She loved taking trips, especially to visit relatives and friends in Stirum, Lisbon, and Oakes, including an exciting visit to Stirum with her favorite sister. Geraldine enjoyed scrapbooking, quilting, and making her famous Acini di pepe salad and treats such as caramel rolls, date nut balls, caramels, sour cream raisin bars, and Special K bars. Geraldine’s (aka Grandma Jiggy’s) favorite role was that of a grandparent. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her many furry “grandchildren.”

Geraldine is survived by her children: Bryan (Carmen) Barnett, Bruce Barnett, Terri (Mark) Maki, Tina (Chris) Jacobson, and Tabitha (Todd) Laumann. She has 4 grandchildren; Jade (Courtney) Jacobson, Haddy Maki, Ty and Oliver Laumann; two great-grandchildren; Camden and Sienna Jacobson.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Juran; her parents, Edmund and Francis Bauer; and her youngest sister, Patty Peterson.

Geraldine was loved by so many and will be dearly missed by all of us. Given Geraldine’s hesitancy to drive in winter conditions, the family will hold a celebration of life in the spring.