Gerald "Jerry" Barthel

Gerald “Jerry” Clarence Barthel was born on January 30, 1939 at home in Bluffton, Minnesota.  His parents were the late Raymond and Katherine (Geiser) Barthel.  Jerry attended St. John’s Parochial School in Bluffton and then 7th grade at Wadena High School.  In the 1960’s Jerry was a multiple Golden Gloves Featherweight Champ.  He was employed at Southdale Ford in Edina and then began auctioneering with his brother, Ray Jr.

In October of 1964 Jerry married Lorraine Amberg.  They were married 22 years, and their marriage was blessed with 2 sons: Reed and Mitch.  In 1975, Jerry and Ray Jr. owned and operated the Wadena Auction Market until the fire in 1987.  In 1981, Jerry joined Bob Thompson and Jeanne Roggenkamp when Mid-State Auto Auction began, he was their first auctioneer. 

In his younger years, Jerry loved playing & umpiring baseball.  He played and managed for the Bluffton Braves and the New York Mills Millers. He enjoyed all sports from high school to the Minnesota Twins & Vikings. Jerry loved playing cards, farming, buying and selling cattle and he also auctioneered many auctions, including the EOT County Blue Ribbon and Ducks Unlimited Banquets in Perham.

On August 28, 2019 Jerry passed away at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes at 80 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding Jerry in death were his parents; brothers: Ray Jr., William and Robert; ex-wife, Lorraine Barthel and partner, Ardell Karvonen.

Jerry is survived by his sons: Reed (Denine Holst) Barthel and Mitch (Tricia) Barthel; grandchildren: Devin, Mackenzie, Paige, Jamie, Brooklyn, Brightyn, Reagen Vaughn, and Shania & Mackenzie Holst;  sisters: Betty (Wally) Lindelin; Kathy (Bob) Brasel; Bonnie (Stephen) Roberts;  brothers: Leo (Sandy) Barthel; Dan (Linda) Barthel; John Barthel; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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