Jerome Skjerping of Thief River Falls, MN, died at the age of 79 on Thursday, April 3, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family at the Thief River Falls Care Center at the time of his passing. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, April 7, 2014 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert Officiating. Visitation will be at 11:30 am until the service time of 1:30 pm. Burial will follow and be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Jerome Joseph Skjerping was born May 3, 1934 in Thief River Falls, MN. He was the son of Carl and Frances (Weiner) Skjerping. He attended St. Bernard's Catholic School and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Jerome served his country in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1959. He worked for various companies in Thief River Falls until he found his true calling working as a Custodian. He loved being around kids! He began working for School District 564 in 1967 and continued his career with the school until his time of retirement in 1991. After retirement, he kept up with his custodial duties working at the Eagle's and Elk's clubs in Thief River Falls. On September 20, 1958, Jerome was united in marriage to Janet Rae Zutz at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wylie, MN. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls, MN. From this union two daughters were born, Rhonda and Janelle. Jerome enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards and working in the yard as well as on vehicles. He mostly loved spending time with his family, friends and pets. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet of 55 years; daughters, Rhonda (Scott) Besserud and Janelle Hutchinson, both of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Jerad (Krista) Timm, Alicia (Adam) Lian, Derek Besserud, Jessica Hutchinson and Austin Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Kyah Timm and Daeshin Lian; brothers-in-law, Howard Bradley of St. Paul, MN and Glen Carlson of Fridley, MN; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, brother Elroy "Manny" Skjerping, sisters Marianne Bradley and Angie Carlson as well as several aunts and uncles. CASKET BEARERS: Guy Kruse, Mike Kruse, Randy Kennedy, Steve Kennedy, Jim Kennedy and Shane Zutz. HONORARY CASKET BEARERS: Jerome's grandchildren, best friends, Dave and Barb Forsberg and all his former co-workers.