Gerald Christensen

Gerald “Jerry” Christensen, 82, of Rochert, MN, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019, at Essential Health in Fargo.

Jerry was born November 22, 1936 to Floyd and Durema (Hart) Chrristensen at the White Earth Reservation Hospital.  Jerry graduated from Detroit Lakes High School with the class of 1954. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy and was stationed at Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, CA.  After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jerry attended the University of Minnesota, and graduated with a business degree in 1962. He married Charlotte Speickers in 1962 and they had two children, Tom and Joan. Jerry worked for the Internal Revenue Service until his retirement in 1990.

Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved animals, especially his dogs.  Jerry was an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and was also a 45 year member of the Detroit Lakes, American Legion Post 15.

He is survived by his children Tom Christensen of Sartell, MN, and Joan Christensen Mackowick of Otsego, MN; siblings: Larry (Sharon) Christensen of Bemidji, MN, Durene Christensen of Arizona, Carol Dretsch of Detroit Lakes, MN; grandchildren Jenna and Rachel; and close friend Barb Moser.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Durema; sister Dorothy Christensen, and brother in-law Tom Dretsch.

A celebration of life will be held with loved ones at a later date.