John J. Gerulli

John’s vigil service will be livestreamed below at 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026:

John’s Funeral Mass will be livestreamed below at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 2, 2026:

John James Gerulli, age 47, died peacefully at home on October 28, 2026, in Fargo, ND, one year after being diagnosed with cancer. Born in Hibbing, MN, to Nicholas and Mary Gerulli, John then grew up in Roseau, MN. He participated in wrestling, track, cross country, VICA, and spent many weekends hunting and fishing. He later attended Bemidji State University and UND, where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology, and continued his training in judo and taekwondo. During and after college, John traveled the world, visiting India, Malaysia, China, Italy, and Germany.

John met Elizabeth Loegering at the Newman Center at UND in 2003. They got married in 2005, started their family, and had 5 children over the next 7 years. John was a devoted husband and father who taught by example and supported his children in their hobbies and sports. He faithfully attended their concerts and sporting events. John established the cherished family tradition of Saturday morning breakfasts, where each child played a role in preparing the large meals that brought his family together. He also made it a priority to spend quality time with Elizabeth, sharing a weekly coffee date on the patio.

After working as a welder for a short time, he began his career in fire protection. Over the next 20 years, John designed fire sprinkler systems in Fargo, the Twin Cities, and Orlando. He then worked at Orange County Office of the Fire Marshal as a Plans Examiner III, where he reviewed plans for permit approval.

John led an active lifestyle, always making time to run, swim, or lift weights. He was an avid scuba diver, and he passed his love of the ocean on to his wife and kids. Living in Florida for 14 years meant there were plenty of opportunities to dive. He loved spear fishing, lobster hunting, and helping remove lionfish from the Florida reefs. His other hobby was chess, and he would take the time to teach anyone who wanted to learn. He always looked forward to playing chess with his dad. There were also many evenings of card games, Catan, and Sequence with others.

John’s Catholic faith was a steadfast anchor throughout his life. From serving as a peer minister during college to his membership in the Knights of Columbus, he remained committed to his faith and continued to draw strength from it while facing life’s challenges.

John is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse and Ann Gerulli, and Norman and Lorraine Anderson.

John is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Loegering) Gerulli; his 5 children, Peter, Alice, Hannah, Claire, and Nicholas; his parents, Nicholas and Mary (Anderson) Gerulli; his brother, Nick Jr; his father-in-law, Paul Loegering; his mother-in-law, Barbara Loegering; multiple brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews; and family and friends around the world.

The family thanks all who have offered their prayers, support, and friendship during this difficult time and who share in remembering and celebrating John’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to HIA Hospice.

Both services will be livestreamed on the funeral home website for those unable to attend.

If you would like to help the family with funeral expenses, donations are greatly appreciated. You can contribute through Elizabeth’s Venmo or Zelle using the QR code found in the photo gallery.
If you prefer to send a check to support the family, please write out the check to Elizabeth Gerulli and mail to Boulger Funeral Home – 123 10th Street South – Fargo, ND 58103