Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Mellesmoen, age 76 of Brooklyn Center, MN, passed away on December 23, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society – Ambassador in New Hope, MN.
Jerry was born September 26, 1948, in Duluth, MN to Glenn and Esther Mellesmoen. He is preceded in death by his infant brother, Duane, aunt Vickie, parents, and beloved wife Cynthia (Cindy) of 30 years.
Jerry is survived by sons Luke and Nick, granddaughter Hailie, brothers Donald (Rosanne), Gregory, Mark, sister Beverly (Mike), sisters-in-law Toni and Sandy, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps (“L” Company 2nd Battalion) from 1967 to 1969, followed by an honorable discharge in 1973. Jerry received training to be an Ammo Technician at Quantico, VA. He was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam and received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Rifle Expert Badge.
He was a no-frills kind of guy who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Jerry was fearless, witty, funny, smart, and hardworking. Much like his father, he was an all-around handy man who loved to work on projects; always willing and happy to help others. He could fix anything and was known for his ability to “Jerry”-rig things.
Jerry loved attending drag races, often taking his boys to Donnybrook International Raceway in Brainerd, MN. He enjoyed sports and followed the MN Vikings, college football, and high school hockey. He was an avid pool player and may have even placed a wager or two. Jerry loved to talk politics and enjoyed keeping up on current events. He had a rich love for music and influenced others immensely. A few of his favorites included The Beatles, Cream, Blind Faith, Jerry Jeff Walker, Led Zeppelin, and The Grateful Dead.
The family would like to make a special thank you to Dr. Zechmann, Dr. Wadhwa, Veterans Services Officer Ella Parker, Nurse Practitioner Karyn Brinker, Park Nicollet Hospice Services, and the staff at Good Samaritan – Ambassador. We deeply appreciate the excellent care you all provided him.
Jerry will be forever missed.
Service: 11:45 a.m. Wednesday January 15, 2025. Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, 1 Tower Ave., MPLS, MN 55450. Interment with military honors, 1:45p.m. Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave. So, MPLS, MN, 55450.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Korby Clinic 119 Adams St. So., Cambridge, MN 55008, or you can Venmo @Korbynclinic. A foundation will be set up in honor of Jerry. This foundation will assist other veterans in setting up a Nexus Letter, a letter that establishes a connection between the condition and military service. Financial assistance will be granted to other veterans on behalf of Jerry.
Henry Djerlev
Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Mellesmoen, age 76 of Brooklyn Center, MN, passed away on December 23, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society – Ambassador in New Hope, MN.
Jerry was born September 26, 1948, in Duluth, MN to Glenn and Esther Mellesmoen. He is preceded in death by his infant brother, Duane, aunt Vickie, parents, and beloved wife Cynthia (Cindy) of 30 years.
Jerry is survived by sons Luke and Nick, granddaughter Hailie, brothers Donald (Rosanne), Gregory, Mark, sister Beverly (Mike), sisters-in-law Toni and Sandy, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps (“L” Company 2nd Battalion) from 1967 to 1969, followed by an honorable discharge in 1973. Jerry received training to be an Ammo Technician at Quantico, VA. He was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam and received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Rifle Expert Badge.
He was a no-frills kind of guy who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Jerry was fearless, witty, funny, smart, and hardworking. Much like his father, he was an all-around handy man who loved to work on projects; always willing and happy to help others. He could fix anything and was known for his ability to “Jerry”-rig things.
Jerry loved attending drag races, often taking his boys to Donnybrook International Raceway in Brainerd, MN. He enjoyed sports and followed the MN Vikings, college football, and high school hockey. He was an avid pool player and may have even placed a wager or two. Jerry loved to talk politics and enjoyed keeping up on current events. He had a rich love for music and influenced others immensely. A few of his favorites included The Beatles, Cream, Blind Faith, Jerry Jeff Walker, Led Zeppelin, and The Grateful Dead.
The family would like to make a special thank you to Dr. Zechmann, Dr. Wadhwa, Veterans Services Officer Ella Parker, Nurse Practitioner Karyn Brinker, Park Nicollet Hospice Services, and the staff at Good Samaritan – Ambassador. We deeply appreciate the excellent care you all provided him.
Jerry will be forever missed.
Service: 11:45 a.m. Wednesday January 15, 2025. Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, 1 Tower Ave., MPLS, MN 55450. Interment with military honors, 1:45p.m. Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave. So, MPLS, MN, 55450.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Korby Clinic 119 Adams St. So., Cambridge, MN 55008, or you can Venmo @Korbynclinic. A foundation will be set up in honor of Jerry. This foundation will assist other veterans in setting up a Nexus Letter, a letter that establishes a connection between the condition and military service. Financial assistance will be granted to other veterans on behalf of Jerry.