Immediately following high school graduation, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an electrician’s mate on the U.S.S. Edwards in the South Pacific, until the end of World War II.  Upon returning to civilian life, he moved back in with his parents and began what would become a long, successful career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. At first, he was tasked with climbing the poles and making repairs. However, management soon recognized that he had a talent for far more than connecting phone lines. He had a knack for connecting with people, which led to being asked to join the company’s young executive program.

 

About this time, Jerry also began singing in the choir at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he met Mary Edberg. They married in 1952, and in 1956, they welcomed their first son, Richard (Rick).  

Moving quickly through the ranks at NW Bell, he landed the top management position at their Grand Rapids office. And after moving to GR in 1960, their second son, Robert (Rob), was born.  Jerry was extremely successful in leading the Grand Rapids office which led to NW Bell offering promotions to manage other locations. However, he turned them all down because Grand Rapids had become home.  

 

Yet throughout Jerry’s life, what stands out more than any other accomplishment was his deep-rooted love of people and community.  He had a passion for helping people. One key example is the inspiration and leadership he brought to the Rotary Club, with too many activities and achievements to mention.  Let’s just say that his fundraising/rose selling work was legendary. 

 

He was also a driving force behind the creation of an infusion center at Grand Itasca Hospital, leading fund raising and other development activities. Similarly, he was a leader in the effort to establish the regional food bank, Second Harvest Northland.  While his work was often at the grassroots level, he also served on the boards of many community groups, including the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, the Itasca Housing Authority and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Faith was always a major part of Jerry’s life, and he was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church for 63 years. He didn’t talk much about his faith, but his actions were exemplary in carrying it out. In his free time, he loved cruising Pokegama Lake on his pontoon, singing in both the Zion and Blandin Male Chorus, and just hanging out with family and friends.     

 

In 2018, Jerry was awarded the Retired and Senior Service Volunteer Award for Itasca County and was named award runner-up for the entire state of Minnesota. Though he accumulated many awards and achievements through the years, his real reward was the satisfaction he received by helping others and making friendships. Many would call him their best friend.   

 

Jerry was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 62 years and his sister Joy (Kirschner).  He is survived by his sons Rick (Patty), Rob, grandson Alex, granddaughter Sarah Bergh (Cullen), sister-in-law Lorraine Edberg and special companion Linda Urevig.  

 

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Reverend Ben B. Buchanan will officiate.  Inurnment with full Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow at the Zion Lutheran Church Columbarium.       

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Second Harvest Northland.