Gerald Shearer

Gerald Duane Shearer, 83, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, September 15, 2007, at his home. He was born August 29, 1924, in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the son of James and Lucille (Tenny) Shearer. He grew up in Maine Township, attending rural school there. As a young man he worked for various farmers, and then in the shipyards in California. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre during WWII. On June 15, 1947, he married Jane Whitlock in Fergus Falls. They made their home in Fergus until 1962, when they moved to Moorhead. He worked for the Bunny Bread Company, now known as Sara Lee Company, as a truck driver. In the early 1970's they returned to the area, where they began to build a home on Heilberger Lake, becoming permanent residents there in 1971. In 1998 they moved back to Fergus Falls. Gerald was a member of the VFW. He was an avid reader, and also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and telling jokes. He never missed a Paul Harvey message. He loved his family - especially his grandkids. Preceding him in death were his parents; three sisters: Pat Stigen, Karen Lee, and Evelyn Jean Shearer; and one infant daughter, Nancy. Survivors include his wife, Jane Shearer of Fergus Falls; two daughters: Barbara (Robert) Von Hagen of Leonard, ND and Kathryn (Roger Lewis) McLaughlin of Barnesville; two sons: Wayne Shearer of Erhard and Marc (Rebecca) Shearer of rural Fergus Falls; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two brothers: Gordon (Alice) Shearer of North Carolina and John (June) Shearer of Fergus Falls; two sisters: Ruby Gilbertson of Sun City, AZ, and Valerie (Deloyd) Johnson, of Ashby; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Friday at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy:     Reverend Paul H. Nelson Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Military Participation: By Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com