Gerald Coleman

Jerry Coleman, 88, of Elbow Lake, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Mill Street Residence in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Gerald Norman Coleman was born December 3, 1936, to Roy and Alma (Melaas) Coleman in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. He attended District #25 country school and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1954. He served as a boiler operator on ship with the US Navy. After his discharge, he returned to Elbow Lake, where he drove an ambulance and was employed by Elbow Lake Hospital as a boiler operator.

Gerald and Gail Ripley were married on September 29, 1962. He started dairy farming and sold his dairy herd in 1976. His entrepreneurial spirit involved raising Holstein heifers to buying and selling cattle worldwide while growing his farming operation of wheat, corn, and soybeans. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His hobbies and pastime included attending auction sales, bowling, playing cards, his cabin on Eagle Lake, and wintering in Arizona. Jerry was a member of the Elks, American Legion, a lifetime member of United Lutheran Church where he served on the church board, and served on the Elbow Lake Co-op Grain Elevator board. Jerry especially enjoyed time with his family.

He is survived by four children, Jody (Leisha) Coleman of Elbow Lake, Diane (Greg) Anderson of Wayzata, MN, Deanna (fiancé Scott Moellman) Coleman of Brainerd, MN, and Tammy (Troy) Richards of Battle Lake, MN; eight grandchildren, Nick, Tayler, Sam (Rachel), Hunter (Josh Firestone), Jack, Megan (fiancé Ben Lewis), Reese and Isaac; three great grandchildren, Lane, Laeken and Payden; two sisters Ione (Jim) Goff, Janice (Richard) Nagel; sisters in law Joyce Otkin, Pat Steuck, and Barb Ripley, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alma Coleman; his wife Gail; sister Ruth (Robert) Wyman; brother Samuel (DeMaris) Coleman; brothers-in-law Robert Otkin and Gary Ripley; and sister-in-law Lila Grimstead.

Memorials preferred to Union Cemetery.

Funeral Service at 11:00 AM Monday, October 13, 2025, at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake with Pastor Jean Ohman officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Military Honors by the Elbow Lake American Legion and the US Navy Honor Guard with a Warbird Flyover by Paul Brutlag. Burial at Union Cemetery in Elbow Lake.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home