Gerald Toso

Gerald (Jerry) Toso passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on December 28, 2024 at the age of 92, after a long battle with cancer.

Jerry was born November 26, 1932 on the "Hilde 80" east of Rothsay to Curtis and Myrtle Hilde Toso. He attended District 82 country school, then grade school and high school in Rothsay, and was baptized and confirmed at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay. Jerry was the oldest of five children and spent much of his youth working on his grandparents' farms and at the family gas station, helping to support his family and doing much-needed work as men left to serve in WWII.

Jerry enlisted in the Air Force at age 18, serving from 1951 To 1955 in Texas, New Mexico, and Germany. He received medical training at Fort Sam Houston Medical School and spent 22.5 months as part of "Occupation Germany" during the Cold War. He was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct medal, the Army of Occupation (Germany) medal, the National Defense Service medal, and the Cold War Victory medal for his service.

He was married to Beverly Hovland from 1956 to 1975, and they had three children - Mark, Kim, and Beth. In 1981, he married Karen Olson Kjellerup and her four children were added to his family - Sherri, Todd, Kyle, and Kevin.

After the military, Jerry worked briefly at the Anoka State Hospital before transferring to the Fergus Falls State Hospital, where he worked from 1956-1990. For most of those years, he worked in the Central Supply Room, managing supplies and providing immunizations, EKGs, and EEGs. From 1964-1994, he performed EEGs after work and on weekends for the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology for patients within 60 miles of Fergus Falls. From 1995-2019, he worked seasonally for Bob Yaggie Farms, finally retiring in full at age 87.

Jerry was a member and volunteer at First Lutheran Church. As well as ushering and preparing communion, he served on the cemetery committee and took care of the church cemetery for many years.

Jerry enjoyed and played sports throughout his life, including basketball, baseball, and softball in his youth, in the military, and in community leagues. Later, he volunteered as a coach for the "Backcourt Club" (grade school basketball), as well as other coaching. He was an avid Otter fan.

Jerry was especially active in veterans' causes and was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW in Fergus Falls. He was commander of the VFW in 1982-1983 and was a VFW district inspector for 17 years. He was a member of the VFW Color Guard for 37 years, including many years as captain of the rifle squad, and served at hundreds of military funerals. As an original member of the VFW Heritage Group, he marched in numerous parades throughout the state as well as in Dallas during the Bicentennial. He was part of the group that successfully lobbied the State of Minnesota legislature in St. Paul to build a Veterans Home in Fergus Falls and volunteered there after it opened. He was also one of the first volunteers to work on building the Walk of Flags in Fergus Falls.

When not volunteering, Jerry enjoyed camping and traveling to visit family members around the country.

Jerry is survived by his wife Karen of over 43 years; children Mark Toso, Kim VanSwol, Beth Toso (Eric Freeburg), Sherri Heser (Gordon), Kyle Kjellerup (Karen), Kevin Kjellerup (Jennifer); grandchildren Jesse, Tyler, Cory K., Cory B., Derek, Parker, Brooks, Brittany, Ethan, Casey, Estefan, Ash, Beatrix, Larson, Fritz, Cate, Finley; 12 great grandchildren, brother-in-law Marlin Toft, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Bridget.

He was preceded in death by his sisters CharMayne Toft, JoAnn Loewen, Diane Grefsrud, and brother Donald Toso, brothers-in-law Duane Loewen, Keith Grefsrud and William Affield, sister-in-law Darlene Toso, and son Todd Kjellerup.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the Lake Region Cancer Center staff and the Red River Valley Hospice team for the excellent care they provided.

Memorials are preferred to the Lake Region Healthcare Foundation - Cancer Center Fund, Hospice of the Red River Valley, First Lutheran Church, and the Humane Society of Otter Tail County.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Tim O'Shields and Reverend Kate Bruns

Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com