HANSKA–Gerald “Jerry” Blekestad, age 78, passed away in the early hours on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Jerry’s last few weeks were filled with visits and holiday gatherings with his children and grandchildren that he loved so much! His heart was full, his body was tired. While his death was unexpected, he went just like he wanted to – peacefully, in his sleep, at his home in rural Hanska. With his wife, Linda, by his side.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH chapel with Pastor Kelly Heide officiating.

Visitation will be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, prior to the service at the funeral home. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org

Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda Blekestad of Hanska. Six children, and nineteen grandchildren: Jody (Amit) Blekestad-Bhate and their children, Javid and Aria of Maple Grove; Jill (Gary) Blekestad-Lehman of Buffalo, and her children, Kaleb, Chantel, Chania, Kolten, Kavan, and Chakylin Ruehling; Jeri (Britt) Pieper and their children, Chance, Rebel, and Rumor of Hanska; Joni (Patrick Kasper) Blekestad and her children, Olivia Krajewski, Jax, Gracyn, and Ivan Guggisberg of Melrose; Javan (Nicole Mohr) Blekestad and their children, Evan and Sophia of New Ulm; Jade (Dan) Blekestad-Kral and their children, Eddie and Eavan of Gibbon; 14 great-grandchildren; and siblings, JoAnn (Les) Anderson of Madelia, Orville (Adeline) Blekestad of North Dakota, Audrey (Stub) Steinle of Butterfield; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evan and Bessie Blekestad; his sisters and brother-in-laws, Bernice & Orvis Lilleodden, and Carole & Duane Marstone.

Gerald James Blekestad was born May 12, 1945 in St. James to Evan and Bessie (Ball/Firchau) Blekestad. He attended country school in rural St. James. Jerry was united in marriage to Linda Sue Schultz on September 29, 1963 in St. James. He was blessed with a loving marriage of over 60 years – with Linda and Jerry both taking care of each other every day, right until he passed. The couple was blessed with five daughters and one son, whom together they raised on their “farm” in rural Hanska. Jerry drove truck for the majority of his career – primarily with Arden Williams & Leonard Reddemann trucking, the Farmers Coop of Hanska, and for the last 20 years (until his retirement in 2015) as owner/operator of Jerry Blekestad Trucking. Jerry was a member of Albion Lutheran church, and later Lake Hanska Lutheran Church. In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed racing cars and riding horses. Jerry also loved woodworking, whittling, fixing vehicles, and mowing his lawn, and in the last few years watching YouTube videos of cutting trees, airplanes, and woodworking/carpentry. Jerry loved his family more than anything! Some of his best memories were made camping with his family, his favorites being the many trips out West, to the Black Hills, and celebrating the 4th of July with his family camped right at the farm! Jerry’s greatest pride in life was his children, grandchildren and spending time with them. Jerry always said that the sound of his grandchildren laughing was the “best sound in the world”. Jerry loved taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren for rides with him in the semi, the purple pickup, on the lawn mower, scooters, and side-by-side; working on things together around the farm; sitting around the campfire; telling stories; playing trucks and drinking chocolate milk with the youngest – little things he hoped they’d “always remember”! He is deeply missed by all who loved him. Blessed be his memory.

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