Gerald "Jerry" Blaine

Gerald “Jerry” Blaine, 84 year old lifetime resident of Morrison County, most recently of Pioneer Village Country Manor in Sartell, MN passed away Thursday, October 13, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 17, 2011 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieksi, MN with Father Jimmy Joseph officiating. Burial will be at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN. Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. on Sunday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls and from 10-11 A.M. on Monday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. Parish prayers will be prayed at 6 P.M. on Sunday evening. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Jerry was born on August 2, 1927 in Little Falls, MN to the late Joseph and Agnes (Oldakowski) Blaine. He was united in marriage to JoAnn Karlson on June 30, 1953 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN. Jerry served his country proudly in the Korean War and in the 747th Maintenance Battalion for 38 years with the Minnesota National Guard. He retired as a Master Sergeant with the National Guard. Jerry was employed as an electrical lineman for Stearns Electric Coop for 38 years. Following his retirement he served on the board of directors for the Stearns Electric Coop. Jerry also was the supervisor of Culdrum Township for over 30 years. Some of his other involvements include fire warden for over 30 years, 8 years on Morrison County Planning and Zoning, founding member of Swanville Rural Fire Assoc, and St. Otto’s Advisory Board. Jerry was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, MN serving as head usher for over 20 years and also served on the Parish Council Board. He was a life member of the Flensburg American Legion and a present member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Sobieski, MN. Jerry and JoAnn purchased their farm in Culdrum Township in 1957 where they farmed full time until they retired in 1990. Jerry was a role model, natural leader, and inspiration to his family and friends. His dynamic personality made a positive lasting impression on everyone he met. Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. Jerry is survived by wife of 58 years, JoAnn Blaine of Sartell, MN; sons, Bruce (Tammy) of Redwood Falls, MN, Brian (Brenda) of Otsego, MN, Greg (Michelle) of Little Falls, MN, Douglas of St. Cloud, MN, and Scott (Jane) of Bloomington, MN; daughters, DiAnn (Dick) Wold of Mendota Heights, Peg Onstott of Lauderdale By The Sea, FL, Suze (Tom) O’Neill of Bloomington, MN, and Kay (Jerry) Blaine-Hall of Lauderdale By The Sea, FL; brother, Joe (Barbara) Blaine of Plymouth, MN; and 17 grandchildren. Jerry is preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Agnes Blaine; brother, Bill Blaine; and dear friend, Walter Bergstrom.

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Gerald "Jerry" Blaine

August 2, 1927 - October 13, 2011