Jerry Emil Siltala, age 79, of Sebeka, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, Minnesota. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Grace Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow. Those who choose not to attend the burial are warmly invited to remain for fellowship.

Jerome “Jerry” Emil Siltala was born on December 26, 1946, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Arnold and Elsie (Kiviaho) Siltala. He was raised alongside his siblings, Gilbert, Aaron, and Diana. In the early 1970s, he served in the United States Army.

Jerry will be remembered for the effort he always made to stay connected with his family and friends. He loved his family, giving his nieces fond memories of M&Ms, cracker jack and quarters, supporting all his family member however he could and always thinking of them first. He was a lifelong part of the Sebeka area and devoted his career to Mid-State Auto Auction in New York Mills.

Jerry loved the Minnesota State Fair, attending at least once a year, and could always tell you the daily attendance. He enjoyed supporting Minnesota sports teams and was always up to date on current sports happenings, while also being able to share facts and statistics from years past. He also enjoyed sharing his favorite classic music and television favorites with his nieces, great nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie; father, Arnold; brother, Gilbert; and sister, Diana.

Jerry is survived by his brother, Aaron Siltala of Northfield, Minnesota; nieces: Cassandra (Craig) Wrisley of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Monika (Mason) Thornberg of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Sara (Jeff) Siltala-Choban of Kenyon, Minnesota; great-nieces and great-nephews: Everleigh, Amelia, and Colton Thornberg; Lucy, Adelle, Hazel, and Elaina Siltala-Choban; Kealan Johnson; and Kadie and Ollie Wrisley; along with many friends.