Gerald "Jerry" Edward Jerdee was born on April 17, 1937 in Enderlin, North Dakota, the son of Edward Melvin and Helen Ann (Pederson) Jerdee. He was baptized on December 4, 1937 and confirmed on June 24, 1951 at Zion Lutheran Church in Enderlin, ND. He grew up in Enderlin where he graduated from grade and high school. He then graduated from Jamestown University. Jerry taught math and coached in Clinton, MN from 1959 to 1966. He taught math and coached basketball, football and track in Benson, MN from 1966 to 1999. On July 27, 1955, he was united in marriage to Grace Marie Wefald. This union was blessed with four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Together they were able to share in 57 years of marriage. Jerry was content with the simple things of life. He thoroughly enjoyed his children and grandchildren, watching sports - especially college - on TV, Western movies, John Wayne, politics, good music - everyone from the Gaithers to Hank Williams to the Rolling Stones, a good steak (nothing flaming!), gardening, and reminiscing with former coaches, athletes, and students. Jerry was a member of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association, the Jamestown College J. Club, the Ushers Club at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, and was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame at Jamestown College. Jerry is survived by his wife, Grace; children, Barbara (Robin) Lamppa of Fargo, ND, Diane (Ron) Hills of Dilworth, MN, and Robert Jerdee of Benson; grandchildren, Kari Khan, Kristiina Lamppa, Kelli Lamppa, Rachelle Brown, Ashley Brown, Miranda Brown, Tate Jerdee, Maria Jerdee, Amanda Beals, Steven Beals, Teagan Overturf, Victoria Arnold, and Darrell Brown; great-grandchild, Nolan Gerald; and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death are his son, Steven Jerdee; granddaughter, Nicole; parents, Edward and Helen Jerdee; grandparents, Andrew and Ingeborg Jerdee, Hans and Mary Pederson.
