Jerry Leander Gatz

Dateline: Bloomington, MN God gave Jerry the gift of life on April 19, 1942, in Port Edwards, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of five children of Avolt and Hannah (Johnson) Gatz. God claimed Jerry as His own precious child through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on May 24, 1942, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Jerry loved his Lord and later confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards on March 25, 1956. Jerry grew up in Port Edwards and attended public schools graduating from John Edwards High School on May 29, 1960. He was blessed with a keen mind and graduated from the University of Wisconsin earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering on January 23, 1965. At the age of 18 years, Jerry was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes preventing Jerry from serving in the United States armed forces. As an Electrical Engineer, Jerry first moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin employed by Fabri-Tek Corporation. He later moved to Minneapolis and found employment at Data 100 and other companies as a highly skilled technical writer. At a social function, Jerry met the love of his life, Laurel Ness. Jerry was smitten. They fell in love and were married on November 27, 1974, at Berea Lutheran Church in Richfield, Minnesota. Their marriage was a great one filling their lives with joy and happiness. Jerry lived a wonderful life loving his family, serving in his church, and appreciating his friends. He was a lifelong Lutheran who loved his Lord, faithfully read his Bible with daily devotions, took time to pray for others, served on various Church committees, taught Sunday school, and before his health declined, seldom missed worshiping in God’s house on Sundays. Jerry and Laurel enjoyed taking numerous trips throughout the USA and they always looked forward to the Gatz family reunions in Texas. They had fun traveling abroad especially to Norway, the Scandinavian countries, and others. Like most members of the Gatz family, Jerry was an avid Green Bay Packers fan! He was a talented golfer. He enjoyed attending and watching Minnesota Twins baseball games. He liked playing bridge. He was not a great cook but was an exceptional griller. He had an appreciation for good music and liked attending concerts and theater performances. Blessed with living 84 years, Jerry entered eternal life on July 15, 2026. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jerry was the last of the Gatz boys. We entrust him to God’s loving care. Jerry is preceded in death by: his wife: Laurel his parents: Avolt and Hannah Gatz his brothers: Robert Gatz and wife, Jane James Gatz John Gatz and wife, Janet William Gatz and wife, Trudy His nephew: Robert Gatz Jr. Jerry is survived by: His nieces: Debra Shay, Lynne Gatz, Jamie Gatz, Jodie Beck and husband, Larry his nephews: Gregory Gatz, William Gatz Jr. and wife, Stacy, Timothy Gatz, Peter Gatz and wife, Angela and other relatives and friends Celebration of Life services will be held on August 5, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., at Berea Lutheran Church in Richfield, Mn Visitation will be on August 5, 2026, from 10 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church. A celebration of Life luncheon will immediately follow the service. Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Grove, MN. 29963 Territorial Drive; Spring Grove, MN 55974 Pastor Larry Beck will officiate. There will be a light lunch served following the graveside service. Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove, MN is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry Leander Gatz

April 19, 1942 - July 15, 2026