Visitation
Bethel Lutheran Church-
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Email Details
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201 3rd Street East
Herman, MN 56248
Gerald Oachs
December 22, 1931 — August 6, 2014
Gerald Oachs
Funeral service for Gerald Dean "Jerry" Oachs, age 82, will be held Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, Minnesota, with Pastor David Hanssen officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, August 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. time for sharing at Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman. Visitation will continue Saturday morning one hour prior to service time at the church. Internment will be in Lakeside Cemetery near Herman. Jerry was born on December 22, 1931, in Grant County, MN, to Walter and Dorothy (Wilkins) Oachs. He grew up in Herman, where he graduated from high school in 1949. After high school he attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture in St. Paul. Jerry married Joan Johnson December 27, 1952, in Herman and was a devoted husband for 62 years. Together they raised four children. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church of Herman. In 1952 Jerry joined the United States Air Force, training and serving as a Russian interpreter during the Korean conflict. Upon his return from military service in 1956 and until early 2014, he served as chaplain for Herman's American Legion Post 378. As part of his chaplain duties, he was honored to present the U.S. flag to veterans' families during military rites at funeral services. Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Herman area as a farmer and businessman. He began farming in 1956 on the H. B. Johnson farm east of Herman, where Jerry and Joan raised their children. Jerry enjoyed being close to the land and felt privileged to actively participate on the family farm, assisting with farm and machinery operations through the fall of 2013. In 1968 Jerry became manager of Delaware Mutual Insurance Company in Herman, serving in this role and on its Board of Directors until his retirement in 2000. He served the Minnesota Mutual Insurance industry in several ways throughout his career. Jerry served on the Board of Directors of RAM Mutual Insurance Company of Esko, MN, for twenty-seven years. Jerry was proud to serve as chaplain at multiple state and national insurance conventions held throughout the United States during his career. He served his community in many ways, including at his church, in civic organizations, on Cooperative Boards of Directors, and wherever he could lend a hand. Jerry was an avid fan of all sports. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in athletic events. Although a loyal supporter of Minnesota's college and professional sports teams, he admitted being their fan was "sometimes frustrating." Jerry is survived by his wife, Joan; his son Mark (Jayne) Oachs of Herman; son Bradley (Lezlie) Oachs of Duluth, MN; son Douglas (Kim) Oachs of Herman; daughter Karen (Tim) Hurlbut of Farwell, MN; his brothers Jim (Peggy) Oachs of Herman; and Kent (Susan) Oachs of Edina, MN. Nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive him. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, sister-in-law Leora Oachs, and brother-in-law Leo Christy.
Funeral Service
Bethel Lutheran Church-
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Email Details
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201 3rd Street East
Herman, MN 56248
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