Gerald Theodore Owen

Gerald Theodore Owen was born October 20, 1951, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Llewelyn and Laura “Bulke” Owen. From that day on, we all knew him as Jerry.

Jerry passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, July 28th, 2024 at his home with his family by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and loyal friend.

Jerry attended Northrop Grade School and was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Thief River Falls. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Jerry attended Bemidji State, Northland College, and Dunwoody College in Minneapolis where he earned his electrical
degree and became a journeyman.

During his high school years, Jerry was an avid FFA member, a football player, and an exceptional hockey goalie. In 1968-69 Jerry was elected all-region goalie for Northern Minnesota and continued using his hockey skills later in life as a guide to his son and grandchildren when they decided to pick up the sticks. You could always hear him cheering for his favorite Golden Gophers.

When Jerry returned to Thief River Falls after college, he met his future wife Ruthie Reed at the Hi-Bi Drive-In and Restaurant during the summer of 1974. They married on October 9th, 1976, and were blessed with three children, Erica, the oldest and wisest, Benjamin, the entertainer, and finally, the surprise, and some would say superior, child: Jenna. They raised their family in Thief River Falls, MN where Jerry owned and operated Owen Electric.

Jerry was always instrumental in his children’s activities; from repairing various popcorn machines to replacing light bulbs in many facilities and venues, he used his many talents to make sure everything was in working order.

Quite often, Jerry was extremely heartfelt about helping the refs when they happened to miss a call at the kids’ sports events.

Jerry was also known as “Generous Jerry” around town as he never batted an eye when someone needed a helping hand and gave many hours to his church, Trinity.

Jerry was distinguished to gain the title “Grandpa” in September 2001 when “Baby Wyatt ” was born. Multiple grandchildren followed: Jake, Isabella, Eva, Piper, and Finn. Jerry adored every minute with the grandchildren and cherished all his memories and holidays with them.

Jerry also enjoyed his fair share of pets throughout the years of his life. On Valentine’s Day of 2014, Jerry met the second love of his life: Jaxon, the best furry friend a guy could ask for. Oftentimes you would find Jax on Jerry’s lap or laying under his wheelchair. Jax was very devoted to Jerry and would lay next to him until he took his last breath.

Jerry had many family and friends, who would often refer to him as Louie, while he was on call with Bridgeman’s, the crew even had to camp out at The Legion to discuss the good day’s work and make sure all was well.

Jerry would never leave home without his tool belt. On numerous occasions he saved the day with his tools, one of the most memorable is when he changed an alternator for his niece under the streetlight.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ruthie, of Thief River Falls; daughter, Erica (Matthew) Bradley, of West Fargo, ND; son, Benjamin, of Thief River Falls; daughter, Jenna (Zachery)
Dale, of New Melle, MO; grandchildren, Wyatt, Jake, Isabella, Eva, Piper, and Finnmore; special furry friend, Jaxon; sister, Susan (Wayne) Koland; brother, Jack Owen, all of Thief River Falls; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Harry Scheuble; father-in-law, John G. Reed; mother-in-law Orlene C. Reed; sisters-in-law, Jackie Malone, Joanie Peterson, and Carol Velasquez; brothers-in-law, Mike Poole, and Joe Velasquez; nephews, Mark Peterson, Fred Malone, and Steven Velasquez; niece, Alison Petrich; lifelong friend, Michael Kraemer.

As Jerry would always say… ~ BE GOOD.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor Clay Ellingson officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.