Jerald “Jerry” Micheal Meyer, age 73 of Cokato passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 22, 2022 at St Cloud Hospital.
Jerry was born to Melvin and Marvel Meyer Thanksgiving Day on November 24th, 1949 in Glencoe MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton MN. Growing up Jerry was nicknamed “Smiley” by his family and friends for his contagious smile and charming personality. He grew up by Lake Marion, during school he participated in wrestling and football. He attended Brownton Elementary and graduated from Brownton High School in 1968.
Jerry worked with his dad on a mink farm at Lake Marion. After graduation he was employed doing construction then joined the Army in 1970. Jerry proudly served in several states and was stationed in Germany through 1972. On August 18th, 1973 he married Connie Hackbarth at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN. Together they were blessed with 5 children: Christopher, Matthew, Brent, Brian and Laura. He was employed by Shwartz Manufacturing, RayDot and Faribault Foods.
Jerry was a member of the Cokato JayCee’s. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales, auctions, calling in to KWRC Trade Radio advertising his yard sale “⅛ mile north of the stop lights” in Cokato and his yearly family trips up to Mille Lacs Lake. The most important thing to Jerry was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Marvel Meyer; sister Janet Zajicek, brother in law Henry Zajicek; father in law and mother in law Carl and Eleanor Hackbarth; and nephew Jeremy Meyer.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Connie of 49 years, son’s Christopher Meyer, Matthew (Kari) Meyer, Brent Meyer (fiancee Natalie Griffin), Brian Meyer, daughter Laura (Alex Mages), grandchildren Makayla Meyer, Jenessa Meyer, Maverick Meyer and step grandchildren Isaac Dow and Jocelyn Dow. In addition to sibling’s James (Corrine) Meyer, Judith (Thomas) Theisfeld, Jerome (Rose) Meyer. Sister in law Carol Prince and several niece’s and nephew’s.
While Jerry left us too soon, the impact he had on the community will be felt for years to come. His quick wit and sense of humor will be dearly missed. Blessed be his memory.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 29 and visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 and continue 1 hour prior to services on Thursday, all at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cokato. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato, MN 320-286-2534, www.swansonpeterson.com