Jerome “Jerry” Gefre, 94, Owatonna

Jerome “Jerry” Gefre of Owatonna, MN, died Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 – 11:45 AM Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (512 S Elm Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060).  A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 10:00 AM.  Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12:00 noon.  Interment will follow the funeral lunch at Resurrection Cemetery in Medford, MN.

Jerry was born in Aberdeen, SD, on August 31, 1931, to John and Eva (Geier) Gefre.   He attended elementary school at St. Mary’s in Aberdeen and went on to graduate from Aberdeen Central High School in 1949. After graduation, he began working at International Foods in 1950.   He was united in marriage to Leona Spinler at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Kenyon, MN, on June 30, 1962.  Together, the couple raised four boys.  Jerry worked at JC Penny as the shoe department manager and part time at Duffy’s Grocery Store until his retirement in 1987.

Jerry was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Eagles and St. Joseph Church.  He enjoyed spending time watching his grandsons’ sporting events and traveling to South Dakota to visit family.  His life interests included watching the Twins and the Vikings.  For many years, he enjoyed volunteering for the Salvation Army by ringing the bell and helping with the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll drive which benefits Special Olympics.   He loved to walk and enjoyed shoveling his neighbors’ driveways.

He is survived by three sons:  Michael (Christine) Gefre, Owatonna, James Gefre, Owatonna, and David Gefre, Mankato, MN; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Leona, son John, two grandchildren: Lauren and Cathryn, two brothers, and three sisters.