Obituary of Jerry Arthur McCormack

Jerry Arthur McCormack, defined as a man of loyalty and servitude.  Jerry was wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus on January 13, 2024 and reunited with his beloved wife of 54 years, Connie. 

Born International Fall, Minnesota on February 23, 1927.  He lived through the great depression, World War I and II, the pandemic of 2020 and 2 bouts of Covid.

Jerry, the youngest, only son, and last to live of the Howard and Pearl McCormack children.  His sisters Vivian Lacy (Tom), Mary Jane McCormack and Shirley Norcross (Herb) precede him.

Jerry pursued his life of adventure.  Having a household of women he joined a band of brothers to serve our United States in the Marine Corp 1945-1951, during World War II and the Korean War.  

Jerry married the love of his life Connie in 1955.  When Connie asked him if he would like a wedding ring his response, “No, I do not need a ring, my word is my bond.”  Honesty and trust was core of Jerry’s values with loyalty as a corner stone of his character.  He is lovingly called dad by his two daughters, Terry and Janice. 

His working career included Hamm’s Brewery, Stroh’s, Pabst.  Education was important throughout his life.  He was the first of his family to walk the steps of a college. 

He graduated with an associates degree from the University of Minnesota.

Jerry loved to swim; his signature swim style the “crawl” with long arm strokes and little ripple in the water.  Even at age 92 he enjoyed swimming laps.

Jerry’s testimony of faith began with being sent to church with a quarter from his mom.  The alley hosted a few marble games and he found much more interest in the game than attending church.  At age 18 he was baptized, however a covering of holy water doesn’t mean it always penetrates to the heart.  He had years of denying his brokenness to lean upon Christ.  Family and friends have been on their knees for his salvation.  On April 25, 2023 he announced his commitment to Christ. 

Jerry’s wife preceded in death Connie McCormack 2009.

His children Terry Michalek (Don) Woodbury, Minnesota and Janice Harder (Tim) China Spring, Texas.

Grandchildren, 8: Aaron (Kellie) Harder, Amberlee (Jonathan) Covington, David Roth, Linda (Tim) Zeidler, and Ron Roth.

Great grandchildren 7,  ages 7-21

 

Celebration of life will be held:

Boutwells Landing

Town Hall

13575 58th Street N

Oak Park Heights, MN 55082

 

Memorials preferred to the Presbyterian Homes Foundation for Boutwells Landing. preshomes.org/makeagift 

Please specify "Boutwells Landing" in a comment, note or the memo line.

 

Only two defining forces

have ever offered to die for you.

Jesus Christ

And The American Soldier.

One died for your soul;

The other for your freedom.

Jesus Christ my living hope.