Submitted by his son
Dad was with the Deer River Fire Department from 1981 until his death in 1990.
Dad was very active in the Deer River Community. During his lifetime‚ he served with many orgranizations and activities such as:
- Cub Scout Master
- Lions Club Member
- Deer River Pony League
- Football Coach (Green Team)
- Basketball Coach (Maroon Team)
- Baseball Coach
- Member of Deer River United Methodist Church
When Dad wasn’t working or volunteering with the many oranizations above he enjoyed many activities such as:
- Running / jogging
- Bow Hunting
- Deer Hunting
- Fishing
- Camping
- Family activities
- Horseshoes
For the last 15 years of Dad’s life‚ he worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He also worked part time as a locksmith.
Dad is sadly missed in Northern Minnesota. At his funeral over 1‚100 people came to pay their final respects to him. His death shocked the community. At his funeral Deer River youth attended his funeral wearing the jersey of the teams he coached. The following fall‚ the Deer River football team wore the letter J on their helmets. A scholarship was established and is still awarded annually to a Deer River graduating Senior.
Dad is survived by Wife Barb Wilhelm – Spring Lake‚ Sons Brian Reed – Virginia‚ Darren Reed – Mankato. Brothers; Bill‚ Dick‚ Steven‚ Dale‚ Larry‚ Gene‚ Danny & Mark. Sister; Mary.
Dad will be forever missed by his family and friends.
This was nicely done. I have very fond memories of Jerry Reed from when I was a kid.
– David M.I miss you Jerry!
– Larry ReedWhat a great experience to see Jerry’s smile again! Wherever he was, there was laughter. He surely enjoyed his life and those around him. I miss his presence in the DR community and am grateful that I knew him.
– Gwenn SmithWow! I didn’t think I would get beat leaving the first message on the site!I hope this site gives everyone a way to remember, reflect and offer memories as well. As I was playing with (tickling) Jules this morning, I thought about how much my dad would have loved to play with her, or Brian’s children, or your’s. One question though; where did he get all that energy? Is this genetic? Will I get it someday? 🙂
– Darren ReedGreat memorial Darrin. I have too many great memories to list, but would like you to know that to this date Uncle Jerry was one of the most influential people in my life. He always had time for me.
– Mike ReedIt is very nice to see these pictures of Jerry and remember him. Thank you!!
– Jennifer DrottsDarren, that was AMAZING. Your dad was a great man and is missed by many. xx
– Julie KuckJerry was the kindest man I ever knew! He was never critical and was always there to talk. I miss you big brother!!!
– Mary GibbsWhat an amazing way to honor your dad. Thank you for the memories.
– Heidi (Sturm) FrenchGlad to see you remembering your dad like this, Darren. I love the picture of you and your dad
– Dan ReedDarren, I feel very blessed to have had such a wonderful brother-in-law! I will always remember the way he would jam his face right up to the windshield of the snow plow and give you that wonderful, silly grin. His smile was like sun-shine on a rainy day! Jerry loved his family and it was the most natural thing in the world, for him to give of himself to his community. Everytime I think of Jerry, even to this day, I smile! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful memorial to your dad.
– Marilyn HealyHey Darren, Thank you for putting this web page together. I, too, miss your Dad, and I can truely say he had a profound impact on my life as someone I looked up to and wanted to emmulate. His zest for life was unsurpassed. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend one of the last days of your Father’s life with him on the golf course. He was so full of life and laughter that I never would have imagined that he was going to pass on. I am just thankful to have been there. Best wishes to you and yours cousin. Love,Matt
– Matt ReedDarren, This is a very nice tribute to your dad. I am proud to say that I was able to serve with Jerry on the DRFD. As chief, I remember how he was the energetic person that was ready for any task. Every time I meet a DOT truck I look for the big smile and the symbolic wave with his two fingers in the form of a V. Thanks for bringing this to my attention Barb!
– Jim TarbellDarren, I was just made aware of this site and it brings back a lot of memories. I will never forget the fishing trip I took with your Dad and the coffee breaks we shared. He was a great guy and I will always have fond memories and stories. Jerry always had a smile on his face and no matter how my day was going, it always got a little better after seeing your dad. You could not help but have a little of his joy for life rub off on you. I am a better person for knowing him.
– Tim TarbellI am your cousin Pam, I was blessed to know your Dad very well, He was a great guy and he will be remembered for always making me smile. He is missed, thanks for sharing this wonderful memorial to Jerry.
– Pam ForsytheDarren, couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d visit your site again. Was so nice to see all the people who wrote in and expressed their thoughts. Since i was living in Seattle later in Jerry’s life I was unaware of his impact on freinds and family but Jerry and I were very close when we were kids. I really adored him as a younger brother. I, too, loved his smile and sometimes his frenetic energy. He was naturally jazzed in life! I miss him. Larry
– Larry ReedDad, I have had one of the worst years of my life. There were some times when i didn’t know how I was going to go Today is Thanksgiving day; and I am so Thankful to have two wonderful parents and SOOOOO thankful for you; you are my hero! You always will be…… I miss you so much; and I know there will be a day when we will meet again. I love you Dad! Thanks for every gift you have given me! without them I would not be the person I am today!
– Darren ReedDarren, you did a wonderful job on this site. I wish I had gotten a chance to know your Dad, I am sure he was amazing. You always spoke so highly of him and I know he is proud of you and watching out for you and Jules! Love ya, Michelle
– Michelle LockeDarren, What an amazing tribute to an amazing man. He to this day is missed within our community as someone who encouraged the youth, inspired everyone around him to be a better person, as well as blessed all of us with his presence and smile. Thank you Darren for sending me the link to this website, it was a wonderful way to remember your Dad. Best wishes, and I hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day yesterday, your dad is no doubt proud of the man you have become and the father that you are as well. talk soon..Melanie
– Melanie ChurchI think of you often big brother..how I miss your smile!! Too much loss in life.
– Mary GibbsSharlene was at the Vikings game this weekend (when we got stomped by the Patriots) 🙁 and she saw your name on the big screen as they were honoring MN Fallen Firefighters. 24 years after you left us and you were still at a Vikings game 🙂
– Darren Reed