Obituary of Gerald L Ferdon

Gerald L. "Jerry" Ferdon, 89, longtime resident of Duluth took his Lord's hand Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. Jerry was born in Benson, Minn., to William and Alice Ferdon. At a young age he left home and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. On Jan. 16, 1946 Jerry married Joan D. Hansen. After he retired Jerry attained two Bachelor Degrees from St. Scholastica College, in Art and Indian Studies. Jerry worked for Reserve Mining in Silver Bay until his retirement after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Lakeside Lodge No. 258 and the T. W. Hugo Eastern Star. Jerry enjoyed playing the guitar and took part in blue grass jam sessions at Sir Benedict's. His many other hobbies included being a ham radio operator, a fine leather craftsman and a painter. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Donna (Ferdon) Schilling. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Joan; children, Major Julie Anderson, USAF, Jeffrey (Ellen) Ferdon and Jerri Lynn Leyse; five grandchildren, Ryan (Michelle Freeman) Gunderson, Alden Ferdon, Nolan Leyse, Madison Leyse and Sheridan Leyse; a greatgrandson, Henry; sisters, Wanda Jones and Yvonne (Donald) Dohr; many other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Timothy LeMaster, St. Luke's Hospice and Deb Culpepper, RN, at Chris Jensen, for their care and consideration toward Jerry and the family. GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Monday, Nov. 9, in Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1505 Eklund Ave, Duluth. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200