Gerald Flicker

Gerald Flicker, 89 year old resident of Pierz, MN passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011 at his home in Pierz, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz, MN with Father David Maciej officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery in Pierz, MN. Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. on Wednesday and from 9-10 A.M. on Thursday at the Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel in Pierz, MN. Christian Mothers rosary will be said at 4:30 P.M. and Parish Prayers will be prayed at 6 P.M. on Wednesday. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley-Virnig Funeral Chapel in Pierz, MN. Gerald, born on March 13, 1922, was the 2nd child of Joseph and Eleanor Flicker, baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and grew up on a farm north of Pierz. On September 5, 1944, Gerald was united in marriage to Rita Hurrle at St. Michael’s Church in Buckman, MN. Following his passion for farming, Gerald bought a dairy farm 1 mile north of Pierz, where they raised their family and helped many farmers in the area. Gerald and Rita had 8 children and loved their family more than anything in the world. Gerald loved everything about farming – from milking the cows at 4:30 AM to harvesting crops in the fields. His bright blue eyes sparkled as he worked the soil, and watch the crops grow. He will be remembered as the most humble, kind, and gentle man you’ll ever meet. Gerald and Rita “retired” in town at age of 57 yrs, but continued to farm as a labor of love, with his son Mark, until Gerald’s health forced him to slow down at the age of 85. The past years, he has helped care for the love of his life, Rita. Celebrating nearly 67 yrs. of married life, they enjoyed every day together, as a blessing from God. Though Gerald never traveled the world, he lived and learned from the travels of his children and grandchildren. His idea of the “perfect trip” would be to drive slowly through the country-side, checking on crops and appreciating God’s gift of nature. He enjoyed walking, feeding the birds, sitting on the front porch appreciating natures beauty. He loved telling stories of his childhood, family, history, weather, crops and harvests. Gerald had the amazing gift of finding good in everyone and in every day. Gerald is survived by Rita, his wife of 67 yrs, children: Gerri (Dennis) Boser of Sartell, Joyce (Dave)Radke of Maplewood, John (Jane) Flicker of New York, Carolyn (Herb) Paul of California, Pat (Greg) Norsten of Oakdale, Rosanne (Richard) Shorma of Alexandria, Mark (Hilde) Flicker of Pierz, and Mike (Rika) Flicker of Northfield. Brothers: Ardell Flicker, Floyd Flicker, Leon Flicker. Sisters: Marilyn Schreiner and Myrna O’Callaghan. Gerald was blessed with 20 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerome Flicker. Gerald will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

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Gerald Flicker

March 13, 1922 - July 17, 2011