Jerome Jerry Skjerven, 71, died on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at his home in rural Plummer, MN.

Jerome (Jerry) Alton Skjerven was born on September 7, 1933 in Park River, North Dakota, the son of John and Alice (Hanson) Skjerven. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Park River, ND and attended school in Park River and Plummer, graduating from Pershing High School in 1956.

Jerry was united in marriage to Emilie Flatgard on July 11, 1959 at Salem Lutheran Church in Oklee, MN.

Jerry was employed at Helgenseth Plumbing and Heating, Langlie Electric and Lee Plumbing and Heating in Thief River Falls. He formed his own company in 1965, Jerrys Plumbing and Heating. He was owner and operator of Homeplate Caf and Laundromat from 1974-1984. Jerry made frequent trips to California to work with Mike and he also farmed since 1960.

He enjoyed playing horseshoes, playing cards and working on his 1904 Rambler with his son, Jerry. He was always tinkering, repairing machinery, and building things like Jerrys Heating System . He especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends, and loved spending time with and playing with his grandchildren.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a past charter member of the Lions Club.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Emilie of Plummer, MN; five children: Michael (Heidi) Skjerven of Thief River Falls, MN, Melanie (Bob) Parise of Shoreview, MN, Kathy (Randy) Helmbrecht of Grand Rapids, MN, Karen (Tim) Bakken of Thief River Falls, MN and Jerry Skjerven and (Brandi Hansen) of Plummer, MN; grandchildren: Graham and Jordan Burstad, Sydney Skjerven, Joey, Ryan and Alyssa Parise, Jenny, Josh and Laura Helmbrecht, Kailey, Emily, Riley and Kaden Bakken and Tristen Skjerven; four brothers: LeRoy Skjerven of Plummer, MN, Roger (Pollie) Skjerven of Plummer, MN, Don (Nancy) Skjerven of California and John (Margaret) Skjerven of Arizona; one sister, Gayle Skjerven Peterson of New York; his constant companion, Mika; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Hanson Skjerven; his father, John Skjerven; and one sister, Jean Skjerven McCrary.