Jerry Benjamin

Gerald “Jerry” Benjamin, age 88 of Jackson, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson, with Pastor John Schuetz officiating. Burial will be following the service at Riverside Cemetery in Jackson, with Military Honors performed by Jackson American Legion Post #130.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the Osterberg Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service on Sunday, at the church.

Funeral service will be live streamed on the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Jackson, Facebook page.

Gerald Dean Benjamin, son of August and Marie (Hunt) Benjamin was born on Monday, July 3, 1933, in Sherburn, Minnesota. Jerry attended school in Sherburn, and later graduated from Jackson High School in 1951. He was baptized on March 26, 1937, at the Presbyterian Church, and confirmed on March 10, 1963, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson, where he was a current member. In 1952, Jerry enlisted into the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. On November 17, 1957, Jerry was united in marriage to Karen Grunst at the Kimball Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with four children Kimberly, Susan, Michael, and Amy. Jerry worked in law enforcement for 23 years, serving as Deputy Sheriff from 1963-1969, and as Sheriff from 1969-1986. He also was Jackson County Commissioner from 1991-2003, until he retired. Jerry was also involved with American Legion Post #130 in Jackson, serving as Commander, Adjutant, and loyal patriotic member for 66 years. On Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Jerry passed away in Spirit Lake, Iowa at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 26 days.

Jerry enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, deer hunting and especially bird watching at the lake. During the summer months, Jerry and Karen spent many years at the family cabin on McClelland’s beach, and most recently renting a cabin on Crandall’s beach, where they enjoyed visiting with the neighbors, sitting on the deck looking at the water, hosting family gatherings, and really enjoyed the lake life.  Jerry adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing each and every moment that he spent with them.  Jerry has left a lifetime of memories for his family to cherish, and his famous words of wisdom to all were “Keep your Chin Up,” and “Keep it between the lines.”

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years Karen; son Michael (Jane) Benjamin of Hartford, South Dakota; daughters Kimberly (special friend Keith McGruder) Helgeson of Eyota, Minnesota, Susan (Mark) McCorkendale of Hardin, Missouri, and Amy (David) Espinoza of San Antonio, Texas; sister Kay (Roger) Johnson of Jackson, along with 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents August and Marie, sister Alice Emery, and great-granddaughter Nella Marie Bower.

Blessed be the memory of Gerald Dean Benjamin.

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