Jerald Koenck

Jerald Koenck, age 83, of Herman, Minnesota passed away in the early morning hours of July 18, 2022 at his home with his loving family by his side.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Herman, Minnesota with Rev. Heather E. Klason officiating. Honorary urn bearers will be Jerry's grandchildren: Amanda G., Marie, Anna, Brian, Ashley, Heather, Atlantah, Lexi, Parker, Amanda S., and Andrew. Special Music will be provided by Todd Bartell and Eryn Moser. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Jerald was born August 3, 1938 to Otto and Emma Koenck. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman. He graduated from Herman High School in 1958. Jerry and his then wife Nancy moved to Minneapolis so their daughter Joleen could attend a specialized school focused for deaf children. Jerry worked around twenty years in hydraulics at TEL-E-LECT in the Minneapolis. TEL-E-LECT would then send him to work in other countries which included South Africa, Iran and Taiwan. Following his work for TEL-E-LECT he returned to Herman and lived on the family farm.

Jerald married Ella Leabo on July 9, 1994 at the farm. Jerry farmed and raised a few cattle and hogs. The couple also raised horses; having thirty-seven horses at one time with thirty of them being miniatures! They also had many peacocks and chickens and of course his best friend the family dog Molly!

Jerry was always busy doing something. An early riser, he was always up at 5:00 a.m. and rarely came back inside the house before dark. He retired in 2001, and they hooked up the camper and headed for Arizona for the winter. In 2010 they moved off the farm and into Herman where he resided until his passing.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents Vion and Petra Engquist, parents Otto and Emma Koenck, sister Mayva Johnson, step grandsons Cody Link and Brady Iverson; and great-grandson Kyler Link.

Jerry is survived by his wife Ella Koenck of Herman; Daughters Joleen (Philip) Gallant of Duncanville, TX; Carole (Roger) Kormendy of Prior Lake, MN; Fayla (Pat) Steidl of Parkers Prairie, MN; and son Jerald (Kim) Koenck Jr. of Cook, MN; stepchildren: Tina (Dale) Jorgenson of Kingman, AZ; Tim (Roberta) Gutzmer of Eau Claire, WI; and Steph (Todd) Bartell of Norcross, MN; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry has had the help and support of LB Homes Hospice of Fergus Falls, MN and Knute Nelson Hospice of Alexandria, MN for the past two years. A very special “thank you” is owed to them. A very special thank you also to Jessica Krenz for honoring his end of life wish to remain at home - without her, this would not have been possible! Rest in Peace Jerry – you are so loved and will be forever missed.