Gerald Dresser

Gerald Irving Dresser was born August 17, 1934, in New York Mills, MN, the son of Walter and Clara (Rieman) Dresser. He grew up in New York Mills, and after graduating from high school in 1952, Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army. He then attended Moorhead State University and Winona State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and a Masters degree in World Geography. He spent one year teaching in Oregon before coming back to Minnesota.

On February 11, 1961, Jerry was united in marriage to Geraldine Matson, and they raised three children, Missy, Dan, and Tom, and laid to rest an infant son. For 33 years, Jerry taught world geography and industrial arts in Rochester, MN. The family made their home on Big Pine Lake, where Jerry put his carpentry skills to work by building their house and outbuildings. He spent countless hours tinkering with cars, fixing whatever was broken, and woodworking. After retiring from teaching, he worked part-time trucking, but found plenty of time to travel the Southwest with Geri, fish on Big Pine Lake, and take regular fishing trips to Canada with friends.

Jerry entered eternal rest on Monday, June 3, 2019, at Perham Living in Perham, MN, at 84 years of age. He was preceded in death by his infant son, his parents, and his brother Don.   

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Geri; 3 children: Missy (Lee) Kamrath; Daniel Dresser; Thomas (Heidi) Dresser; 8 grandchildren:  Mike, Jamie, Angie, Stacy, Sierra, Ashley, Caleb and Sean; sister-in-law, Eldora Dresser.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

His gentle spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.

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