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Jerome Gerardy, 78
    
    Plummer
– Jerome “Jerry” Gerardy, age 78, of Plummer, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at his rural home in Plummer.
    Mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Burial will be held at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Cemetery at Plummer at a later date.
    Jerome “Jerry” Matthew Gerardy was born September 18, 1938 at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls to Peter and Barbara (Jaeger) Gerardy. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Plummer. Jerry attended Pershing High School and graduated in 1956.
    On April 12, 1958, Jerry was united in marriage to Carol Davis at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Oklee. The couple made their home on the Gerardy family farm north of Plummer where they raised their 8 children.
    Jerry was employed at American Crystal Sugar from 1957-1966.  He continued to also work the family farm. After leaving the sugar beet plant, he decided to make family and farming his career. He was a grain farmer, raised dairy cattle, pigs, chickens and sheep until he semi-retired in 1994, but was still active on the farm helping out his son, Tony. Following his semi-retirement in 1994, Jerry and Carol enjoyed traveling.
    Jerry had many hobbies and interests which included farming, gardening and spending time with his family.  He had a knack for fixing anything that was broken.  He also liked visiting with many of his friends. They were Red Lake County Outstanding Dairy Couple and Outstanding Family in 1990.
    Jerry was a member of the following groups:  Plummer School Board, Plummer Creamery Board, American Dairy Association, Charter member of Plummer Lions Club, Church Council of St Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus, Head of the maintenance for the Plummer Senior Homes, Saxon of the St. Vincent Cemetery in Emmardville Township. He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
    Jerry and Carol raised 8 children and still found time to take in numerous foster children, who were still a part of their lives as they grew older.  Jerry taught his children many traditions, such as making sausage and horseradish. He enjoyed making lefse, donuts and cookies with his wife to share with friends and family during the holidays and coleslaw for many community events.
    Jerry was a kind, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to so many.  He was a strong man of his faith.  He will be missed by so many.  
    Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carol; children:  Tammy, Charles (Cheryl), Kevin, Nancy Wallberg, Peter (Mary), Tony (Sheila), Barbie (Mike) Konickson, David; grandchildren:  Kyle (Whitney) and Jeremy (special friend, Jessica), Joshua Gerardy, Matthew (Melissa), Chris (special friend Sarah), Nicholas Wallberg, Rachel and Hannah Gerardy, Mallory (Charlie) Bernstrom, Brett (Hannah) and Abigail (special friend Logan) Gerardy, Gabrielle and Briana Gerardy, Dylan and Rylee Gerardy; great grandkids: Bella Gerardy, Emmersyn Gerardy, Dakota Wallberg, Briar Bernstrom and baby Gerardy due in August; along with many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law: Ella Peterson, Mary Lou Mersenski, Jenny Vattendahl; and brother-in-law, Charles Davis.
    Jerry is preceded in death by his:  father, Peter; mother, Barbara; sisters, Doris and Noreen; and brother, Ron.
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