Obituary of Jerry D. Tillotson

Jerry D. Tillotson, of Hoyt Lakes, died Tuesday, May 31, 2016. He was called home at 81 years young. Jerry was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Deer Lake, Minn. to Vere and Ethel (Weir) Tillotson. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1952 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1958-1963. Jerry was united in marriage to Judy (Horton) on Oct. 31, 1959, in Black Duck, Minn. and they moved to Hoyt Lakes to raise their family. Jerry retired in 1997 after 30 years of employment with Erie Mining/LTV in Hoyt Lakes. He was also a coach for the East Range Boxing Club for many years. Jerry and Judy shared a love of music and spent their retirement years singing and playing music for family and friends, as well as at numerous care facilities across the Iron Range. Jerry’s love for the Lord was only matched by his love for his family. Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy; and four sons, Tim (Kristi) of Chanhassen, Minn.; Duane (Jennifer) of Black Duck, Minn.; Michael (Jen) of Cook; and Dan (Tina) of Faribault, Minn.; sister, Evelyn (Don) Becker of Park Rapids, Minn.; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; as well as his beloved “adopted” daughter, Daniela Zippo of Northville, Mich.; and dear friends, Lisa and Steve Hendrickson of Aurora. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Lonny Tillotson; and brother, Bruce Tillotson. Services will be held at noon on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at the Hoyt Lakes Cemetery, followed by a 2 p.m. service at the Evangelical Covenant Church, located at 700 Vermillion Trail, Biwabik.