Jarold “Jerry” Eugene Wardner, 78, of Crookston, MN, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, with his loving family at his side.
Jerry was born in Grand Forks, ND, on September 20, 1945, to Marvin and Clara (Larson) Wardner. He was baptized and confirmed in the Bygland Lutheran Church near East Grand Forks and began his education in the nearby Bygland Country School. Great childhood memories were made while spending many a winter day playing pond hockey with his friends. He then attended East Grand Forks High School, playing football and graduating with the Class of 1963. For the next 3 years, Jerry studied Engineering at Wahpeton (ND) State School of Science, earning his degree in 1966. What better way to celebrate that accomplishment than marrying the love of his life, Gayle Irene Ross, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher on June 4, 1966. Their union would become complete over the following years as they became loving parents to Jason, Joel, Chad, and Gina. Jerry and Gayle’s first home would be in Beloit, WI where he worked for the Beloit Corporation. In 1968 they moved to Spring Lake Park, MN where Jerry accepted a position with Onan Engineering. In 1971, soon after the passing of Gayle’s father, Amos Ross, Gayle and Jerry returned home to take over the farming operation before retiring from farming in 1995. He worked with Terra Industries until he opened his own business, Valley Ag. He owned and operated Valley Ag from 1995 until he retired in 2015.
Jerry was a devoted member and former Elder of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; served on the Lowell Township Board; and the Board of Directors for the Crookston Farmers Co-op Elevator from 1981 to 1996. A die-hard Pirate hockey fan, Jerry loved watching his grandkids play throughout the area and was a longtime Crookston Blue Line Club member.
Jerry enjoyed many things in his life. When he wasn’t traveling to watch grandchildren’s activities, he could be found having coffee in the mornings with his coffee group. Jerry’s children and grandchildren were the beneficiaries of his excellent woodworking talents. He also enjoyed golfing with his children, grandchildren, and “the guys”. Jerry kept his faith strong by regularly attending bible breakfasts and Sunday morning worship.
Jerry will be very lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his soulmate, Gayle; and their wonderful family including 4 children: Jason and Nicole Wardner of Crookston, Joel Wardner of Grand Forks, ND, Chad and Kelsey Wardner of Grafton, ND, and Gina and Tobias Dewey of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; 11 grandchildren: Cody of Grand Forks, Logan of Crookston, Brianna of Crookston, Calli O’Shea of Bismarck, Jack of Grand Forks, Wyatt of Grand Forks, Karlie of Grafton, and Emily, Marcus, Matthew, and Rachel Dewey of Winnipeg; and 2 great-grandchildren, Charlie and Cecelia of Bismarck. He also leaves a brother and 2 sisters-in-law, Myron and Marie Wardner, Pat Wardner of East Grand Forks, and Aunt Bertine Swanson of Thief River Falls as well as extended family and many friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Clara Wardner; brother, Telford Wardner; and parents-in-law, Amos and Irene Ross.
Blessed be the memory of Jarold Eugene Wardner for everyone grateful to have shared in his life.
On Gayle and Jerry’s 58th wedding anniversary, the Funeral Service honoring Jerry’s Life will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. There will be a visitation on Monday the 3rd, from 4-6:00 p.m., in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service and will resume at the church Tuesday for one hour before the funeral. Both services will be livestreamed by going to Jerry’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking the prompt to view. Graveside prayers will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at Fisher at 1:00 p.m. and will also be livestreamed. Messages of condolence may be offered to Gayle and the family on the funeral home’s website. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Jerry’s name to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or School.
