Lanny Bell, 76, of Jamestown, ND, died Wednesday morning, May 27, 2015 at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown.

Lanny Ellis Bell was born on May 9, 1939, in Tappen, ND, the son of Lloyd and Helen (Olson) Bell. He attended Jamestown High School with the class of 1957. Lanny graduated from the North Dakota Highway Patrol Academy in 1964, and then entered the National Guard. He married Rita Cichos on December 29, 158 at St. Mathias Catholic Church, Windsor. Lanny began working for the City of Jamestown Police Dept. in 1960 and retired as Lieutenant in 2002.

Lanny was active in Pistol Shoot competitions, loved hunting trips in Montana, and fishing trips in Canada. He loved to be the center of attention and usually got it. He had the kindest heart, especially for the underdog. Lanny loved nature, a glass of red wine, breakfast at the Pantry Café, animals, especially his cats, Teddy and Princess, and spending time with his extended family. Everyone will miss his, “Boy have I got a deal for you.”

Lanny is survived by his nieces and nephews, Kim, Jim, and Mark Gertz, Mike, Cathy, and Crista Miller, Tammy, Shawn, and Shannon Bell, and Greg Ross; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Bair and Elaine Jaskowski; and brothers-in-law, Stu Ross and Lawrence Cichos.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita; two sisters, Charlene Miller and Wanda Ross; and brother, Terry Bell.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 1, 2015 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, with Father Al Bitz officiating.

Memorials may be sent to Ave Maria Village, St. James Basilica, or the James River Humane Society in memorial of Lanny.