General Information
Full Name: Gerald William Devine
Date of Birth: October 24, 1927
Date of Death: June 22, 2013
Jerry’s life story
Gerald “Jerry” W. Devine
On a farm in Blakely Township, William and Margaret (Connolly) Devine proudly announced the birth of their son, Gerald William, on October 24, 1927. He was the oldest of seventeen children. Attending school only through the fourth grade, Jerry’s father needed him to stay home and help on the farm. A talented horseman, he even assisted other area farmers with field work and hauled milk to the creamery.
First drafted into WWII, Jerry entered the service and soon found himself being sent home for the war had ended. In 1950, he was again drafted and proudly served in the United States Army from November 30, 1950 to August 31, 1952, during the Korean Conflict, serving as a rifleman. Returning from the service, Jerry continued to work on the family farm and other area farms. He later purchased the farm from his mother and continued to operate the land. For over 25 years, Jerry worked as a pipe fitter for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, until retiring in 1992.
At the age of 18 and unbeknown to Jerry, a nine year old girl named Mary Jo Moriarty knew someday they would be married. Her eyes would always light up as he passed by her driving the horses. Many years later, Jerry was visiting Mary Jo’s father at the hospital and finally her dream came true. They courted for a time and on December 30, 1967 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Belle Plaine, MN, they exchanged wedding vows. They were blessed with four beautiful daughters, Geraldine, Joanne, Sheila and Colleen.
A true family man, Jerry loved and cherished his wife and children. He enjoyed teaching them how to bowl, loved horseback riding with the girls and treasured every precious moment with them. On January 10, 1989, Jerry’s heart was broken on the passing of his wife of only 21 short years, due to cancer. He now became the girl’s mother as well. Jerry was their hero, mentor and had this kind and gentle soul. In later years, Jerry became a proud grandpa and his eyes would always light up, as they entered the room.
An incredible dancer, Jerry also loved horses, baseball, pitching ball to the kids, bowling, and was extremely proud of being sober for almost 60 years. He was also a dedicated Catholic and lifelong member of Sacred Heart and Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine.
A very proud American and Irishman, Jerry had a great sense of humor and was a true man of integrity. He was also a hero, second dad and mentor to many. Jerry passed away peacefully the late afternoon of Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the age of 85 at St. Anne of Winona in Winona, MN.
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Jerry, daughters, Geraldine “Geri” (Curtis) Pratt of Winona, Joanne (Steve) O’Loughlin of Shakopee, Sheila (John) Lambrecht of Belle Plaine, Colleen Devine of Winona; son at heart, Rob (Eydie) Edberg; grandchildren, Josh, Danielle and Jonathan Pratt, Rob and Keri O’Loughlin, Dillon and Ireland Lambrecht; sister, Mary Agnes “Babe” Edberg, Rose Nelson, Audrey Goulet, Diane Wolpern, Barb Devine, Susan Hartmann, Donna Layand Joanne Frank; brothers, Mike and Billy Devine; many nieces, nephew and other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo; granddaughter, Stephanie Pratt; parents, William and Margaret; brothers, Roger “Bud”, Warren and Dale Devine and sister, Betty Lou Murphy and two infant babies. Pall bearers for Jerry will be Dillon Lambrecht, Rob O’Loughlin, Josh Pratt, Jonathan Pratt, Dale Devine, Nathan Gerdes, Pat Edberg and Mary Krant.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, June 26 at 5 pm, with visitation two hours prior all at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church, 215 North Chestnut Belle Plaine, MN. Father Michael Kaluza will preside. Gerald will be laid to rest on Thursday, June 27 at 10:15 am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, with full military honors provided by Fort Snelling Volunteer Rifle Squad.
The Devine family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Jordan Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Wednesday, June 26, 3 till 5PM
Location: Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church
Address: 201 E. Church St.
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Service Information
When: Wednesday, June 26, 5:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of the Praire Catholic Church
Address: 201 E. Church St.
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Interment
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Minneapolis, MN
