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Jerry Lee Smith • 1958 - 2009 Jerry Lee Smith was born July 21, 1958, a son of Walter L. and Aloise O. (Ross) Smith, in Thief River Falls, MN. He was raised in both, Middle River, MN, and Thief River Falls, MN. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, in 1976. He then attended the Area Vocational Technical Institute in Thief River Falls, where he earned his degree in electronics in 1983. Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 10, 1978, and was honorably discharged January 10, 1979. Jerry was once married to Linda Andersen for a short period of time. Jerry moved to Minot in 1985, and began his employment with Minot State University where he worked in plant services as an electronic technician. He was an electronic network specialist in the IT Central Department in addition to managing the audio visual, recording and staging for numerous functions at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at the time of his passing. He was known to many as the "Telephone Man" with a ready smile. Jerry married Lorrie Ann Kerzman August 22, 1992, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot. Jerry had accomplished many things during his life, which included writing a book and having it published, skydiving, bungee jumping, studying and teaching martial arts. He was an avid runner and reader. He also enjoyed exercising, bike riding, hiking, and loved the outdoors and spending time with his wife; Lorrie. He was a member of the Minot State University Student Association for a few years, as well as the Minot Rifle and Pistol Club. Jerry was a very kind and compassionate man, who put others needs before his own. He was a very patient man who enjoyed people and was kind to all he came in contact with. His loving family includes: wife, Lorrie Ann Smith, Minot; brother, Dean (LaVonne) Smith, Bismarck, ND; sister, Marsha (Robert) Bren, Shoreview, MN, and Faye Emmons, Thief River Falls, MN; sisters-in-law, Lynda (Don) Forbes, St. Cloud, MN, Sandy Haugen, Minot, Sheila Kerzman, Minot, and Lisa (Randy) Voeller, Minot; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Walter and Aloise Smith; father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Robert and Adeline Kerzman. Funeral: Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Our
Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot. Celebrant: Father Bruce Krebs Music Honorary Bearers: Jerry's family, friends and Minot State University co-workers Active Bearers: Dean Smith, Justin Rasch, Don Forbes, Robert Bren, Rod Haugen, Randy Voeller, Richard Smith, Brent Voeller Military honors accorded by the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard. Immediately following the funeral service, please join the family for a time of fellowship and lunch in the lower level of the church. The graveside service will take place at a later date. Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts
of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated
during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Jerry. |
Jerry
Lee Smith, 51, Minot, ND, died Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in his
home.