Gerald Jenson, 67, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND with his loving wife at his side.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Golv and Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will follow at Landstad Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Monday, May 16, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN and from 2 until 3 PM prior to the service at the church, Tuesday.

Gerald Kenneth Jenson was born April 3, 1944 in Seattle, WA the son of James and Tillie (Lavachek) Jenson. Geralds family moved to Baudette, MN when he was an infant. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith. Jerry attended school in Baudette, MN graduating from Baudette High School in 1962. He attended Bemidji State University for two years and then returned to Baudette in 1964 where he worked part time at Farrels Hardware and as a policeman for the City of Baudette until 1969.

In 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Marla Anderson in Baudette. To this union two children were born, Kirk and Kerri.

Jerry attended the State Patrol Academy in Arden Hills, MN in 1969 and upon completion worked in Elk River and the metro area. In 1970, he transferred to Thief River Falls, MN.

On June 1, 1983, Jerry was united in marriage to Ruby Seaverson in Thief River Falls. The couple continued to make their home in Thief River Falls where they enjoyed living their lives together to the fullest.

During his time with the State Patrol, Jerry worked as a road trooper, a Civil Weight Officer and was a delegate for this areas Minnesota Troopers Association. He finished his Minnesota State Patrol career as a Station Sergeant in the Thief River Falls area retiring on January 6, 1998, after which time he was commonly referred to as Trooper by his many friends. Jerry always felt it a privilege to serve the state of Minnesota. Throughout his retirement years, Jerry enjoyed everything life had to offer.

Jerry was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Elks Club, American Legion Post and had served on the Thief River Falls Golf Club Board.

Jerrys interests were unlimited. He went caribou hunting in Quebec, elk hunting in Colorado, antelope hunting in Wyoming, turkey hunting in Nebraska, duck and goose hunting in Manitoba, and pheasant hunting in South Dakota at the Buffalo Creek Ranch. He went salmon and halibut fishing in Alaska, and touched many peoples lives with his famous walleye fish fries from Lake Of The Woods. When he wasnt hunting or fishing Jerry would spend time traveling, golfing, bowling, and following sports.

Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Ruby of Thief River Falls; son, Kirk (Nicole) Jenson of Moorhead, MN; daughter, Kerri Jenson of Moorhead, MN; granddaughters, Lindsey and Olivia; brother, Donald Jenson; brothers and sisters in law, Beverly Pawloski, John (Lorraine) Seaverson, Carole (Ron) Pilcher and Roy (Julie) Seaverson; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; mother and father in law, Lloyd and Alice Seaverson; brother in law, Ray Pawloski.