John Gerald "Jerry" Gerard, 91 passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jerry was born at home in Willow River on September 21, 1934, to Louis and Eva (Danelski) Gerard. He was married to Bernice Klosowski on April 26, 1958, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willow River.

Jerry attended school in Willow River until he left home at an early age on his motorcycle to travel to the Dakotas to work on several farms. He later sailed on the Gene C. Hutchinson, an ore boat out of Duluth. Jerry also worked at Clyde Iron in Duluth. He attended pin setter school in Chicago and worked nights at the Moose Lake Bowling Alley on Soo Hill in Moose Lake. Other places of employment were Ulland Brothers, Como Oil. Most of Jerry's working career was spent at Kerrick Sod Company. where he was a truck driver and sod layer. Driving his semis was one of Jerry's greatest loves.

Jerry had many business adventures which included Gerard Brothers Sales and Service, where he sold and serviced Skiroule snowmobiles with his brother and best friend, Rob. He and Rob were always together working on something mechanical. He was also co-owner of HGR Sod in Aitkin.

He was a member of the National Guard, American Legion #361, Teamsters, North Pine Riders and St. Mary's Catholic Church.

In his younger years he enjoyed snowmobiling with family and dear friends. In retirement he loved riding his Harley with his friends and morning coffee at Dave's cafe. He also enjoyed the weekly card games with friends. Jerry and Bernice loved taking trips to the North Shore.

Above all was his deep love for his family. He loved his "beautiful granddaughters". He loved fishing with his grandsons and great grandson. He loved celebrating every holiday and birthdays with his family. He was blessed to know his great-great grandchildren. He loved his many nieces and nephews and looked forward to their visits. He was deeply proud of us all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Eva Gerard; brothers Louis, Raymond and Robert; sisters Marjorie and Beatrice; nephews Jason Gerard, Jefferey McLevis and Duane McLevis.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bernice; daughter Diane Miller (Peter) Sandstone; son David Gerard (Nancy), Willow River; grandchildren Erin, Zachary and Jacob (Kelsey); great grandchildren Dominik (Alexandra), Brooke (Cole), Reece, Carson, Lucas, Aliyah, Jessica and Peyton; great great grandchildren Drekker, Gianna and Daytona; eight nephews and nieces and many dear friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willow River, MN, with Father Francis officiating. Visitation will take place at the church an hour prior to the service from 10am to 11am. Burial will be at  St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery following the service.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.