John Bearman, 69, Minot, North Dakota, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer and complications from Covid pneumonia.
John Paul Bearman was born December 23, 1954, the son of Donald and Thelma (Simmons) Bearman, in Turtle Lake, ND. He was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Minot High School in 1973. After high school John continued with the family business, Bearman Insurance Agency, until his passing. At a young age John developed a passion for auction sales. While managing the family business, he completed auctioneer school in Minnesota, returning to Minot to independently start Bearman Auction Services and, along with Joe Hickel, he established Double J Horse Sales. John's infectious enthusiasm could make anything, from high quality horses to vintage knick-knacks and estate jewelry, seem like a priceless gem. “Sold!” was not just word for John; it was a way of life, and he made sure everyone in the room felt like a part of the action.
Outside of his work, John was a devoted family man. He married Tricia Walker on July 8, 2000, and they made their home on his family farm south of Minot. Their family includes children, Chelsea Silbernagel, Taya Bearman, and Trevor Bearman, and John’s stepdaughters, Chris Dillingham, Hudson, Wisconsin and Mary Kohout, Minnetonka, Minnesota.
His wife, kids, and grandkids were his pride and joy. Together they enjoyed weekends at the lake, family dinners on Sunday, fishing, catching turtles in the creek, or nights spent in the gym to cheer on their children’s sports teams. There was no place that John would rather be than with his family.
John, Tricia and their many family members and friends enjoyed time on the homestead, trail riding in Medora and exploring far away destinations, with Mexico, Jamaica, and Alaska, topping the list of favorites. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, you could find him at Kroll's Diner having breakfast with his friends or enjoying his favorite recliner and watching the cowboy channel or his favorite sports teams, the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins.
John loved the land, and all things associated with “futzing on the farm.” He found beauty in the surroundings around him, and he appreciated the simple things life had to offer. A wheat farmer in his earlier days, he also enjoyed raising black angus, paint horses, miniature horses and Australian Shepards. He enjoyed collecting tractors, vintage pickup trucks, birdhouses, auction items, and unique rocks for the family to enjoy.
When John was not working, spending time with his family, or enjoying the land, he made it a priority to be involved and volunteer his time. Throughout his career he volunteered countless hours as an auctioneer with his good friend, Milt Korslien, at fundraising events in and around the community. In addition to judging North Dakota horse shows, he enjoyed helping the 4-H kids as a judge and took great pride in sharing his vast knowledge and giving pointers to help them improve their skills. Over the years John belonged to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, and American Miniature Horse Association. In addition to being a member of Minot Trail Riders, he volunteered his time as an announcer and a member of their Board of Directors. He also served on the boards of the North Prairie Rural Water Association, and the National Rural Water Association.
John leaves behind a legacy of positive qualities and too many memories to list. He lived by the sentiment, "I treated you like you treated me." While you may remember him for his quick wit or his work ethic, his family will always remember him for his generosity and his kind heart. His impact on those around him will not be forgotten, as he was truly one of a kind.
John is survived by his wife of 24 years, Tricia; and their children, Chelsea (Aaron) Silbernagel, Boise, Idaho, Taya Bearman and Trevor Bearman, Minot, North Dakota; stepdaughters, Chris Dillingham and Mary Kohout; grandchildren, Aidan, Watertown New York, and Aeva, Boise, Idaho; father-in-law and mother-in-law, F. Bruce and Diane Walker, Minot, North Dakota; sister, Connie Pflepsen, Grand Forks, North Dakota; brothers-in-law, Daren (Kelley) Walker, El Paso, Texas; Terry Walker, St. Paul, Minnesota, Brendon (Stephanie) Walker, Minot, North Dakota; nieces and nephews, Tony (Kathy) Houde, Erick (Joan) Houde, Rebecca (Benjamin) Friebohle, Grace Walker, Haley Walker, Tatum Walker, Ryan Walker, Jake Walker; and cousin, Dorcas (Manuel) Nelson.
John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Debborah Steen; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Memorial Service: Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Prayer Service: Monday at 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.
For more information visit: Thompson-Larson Funeral Home