Gerald Burau

Gerald Burau, 90, of Fergus Falls died Thursday, April 11th, 2024, at the Fergus Falls Veteran's Home.

Gerald Louis was born October 29th, 1933, in Fergus Falls to George and Mabelle Burau. He was the second of five children born to the Buraus who farmed in Dane Prairie township on what became a century farm. Jerry graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1951. He attended the University of Minnesota in Agricultural studies. Jerry enlisted in the Air Force in 1954 and served until 1956.

Jerry and Frances (Duncan) were married on July 14th, 1956, at the Federated Church in Fergus Falls. They settled on the home farm, where they operated a dairy farm and raised their six children. He was known to his great grandchildren as "Farmer Grandpa," a title of which he was very proud. After Frances passed away in 2015, Jerry commented that his great grandchildren gave him a reason to keep living.

In retirement, Jerry and Frances developed a friendship with Larry and RoyNell Norby, which Jerry and RoyNell continued after the loss of their spouses, providing mutual companionship. The Norby family welcomed Jerry into their gatherings, which was very meaningful to him. Jerry developed meaningful and lasting relationships with the Norby children and cared for them as if they were his own.

After retiring from farming, Jerry spent many years taking care of Oak Grove Cemetery, in which he took great pride. This was greatly appreciated by those coming to visit their loved one's resting place. Jerry was a mentor for a number of young men in their first employment opportunities at the cemetery, including three of his grandsons.

Jerry and Frances were long-time 4-H leaders. He was active in Farm Bureau and in his church. He was a member of the American Legion and was a founding member of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Frances, parents George and Mabelle Burau, brother Richard Burau, and sister Mary Burau.

Surviving family members include children: Nancy (Jeff) Freitag, Greg (Lori) Burau, Mark (Julie) Burau, Sandy (Dale) Holo, Lisa (Loren) Sawatsky, Scott Burau; grandchildren: Stacy (Jesse) Griggs, Shawn Freitag, Chelsea (Robb) Emerson, Markus (Brandy) Burau, Amy (Alex) Hawkins, Dane (Cassie) Holo, Emma (Derek) Schreiber, Isaiah (Lauren) Sawatsky, Ruanna (Marty) Francisco, Josiah Sawatsky, Elijah Sawatsky and 20 great grandchildren; brothers: David (Julie) Burau, Duane (Sylvia) Burau.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Todd Hylden

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com