Gerald Lunde

Gerald (Jerry) Arne Lunde passed away suddenly on Monday, October 12, 2026.  

Jerry was born in Rochester, MN to Hilda (Bakke) Lunde and Harold Lunde on June 13, 1938.  He was big brother to James and Charles.  Harold worked as a hospital administrator and his sons had the distinction of being brought into the world by Dr. Mayo himself!  Shortly thereafter the family moved to Sault Ste. Marie Michigan and finally in 1950 to Red Wing, Minnesota where Jerry graduated from Red Wing High in 1956.  Jerry loved growing up Red Wing.  Pick up baseball and basketball games were a favorite pastime.  Left-handed Jerry played first base.  Jerry was an avid sports fan his entire life and could rattle off statistics that could boggle the mind of average folks.  

After graduation Jerry entered the U.S. Navy with a group of high school buddies and spent two years aboard the USS Hollister.   After his naval stint Jerry attended St. Cloud State University where he got his BA and Masters in Education.  His first job was teaching fourth grade at Isanti Elementary School.  It was during this time that he met a young nurse named Karen and fell in love.  The couple married at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch on August 14, 1965.  Jerry and Karen moved into the family farm (Lindberg Farm) after a honeymoon around Lake Superior traveling in their 1965 Ford Mustang.  The next few years were a busy time for the young couple.  Between his teaching job and working toward an Education Specialist degree the couple welcomed their two children Valerie and John.  A family highlight was spending time at our summer cabin in Webb Lake, Wisconsin where the water was clear and the fishing plentiful.  

Jerry was hired as Principal at Forest View Elementary in 1969.  He would remain at that position until his retirement in 1993.  Jerry absolutely LOVED his job.  Up until the time of his death he could recall the names of his students, their siblings, and even little details about his students.  His memory was nothing short of remarkable.   

As previously mentioned, Jerry was a lifelong sports fan, especially baseball and the Golden Gophers.  He was an avid reader and volunteered at the East Central Library as a driver after retirement.  He read the daily papers religiously and up until the time of his death delivered papers to the local nursing home.  Jerry and Karen were avid gardeners and were well known for their beautiful lawn and gardens.  

There will be a huge void in our lives with his passing, but we rejoice in the fact that he is reunited with his beautiful wife Karen who he’s missed terribly since her death. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, brother James and wife Karen.  

He is survived by his children Valerie (Daniel), John (Amanda), brother Charles (Anita), sisters in law Jan and Nancy, grandchildren Elizabeth, Britta, Joshua, Alex (Sierra and family), Jarrett, Arica (Parker and family) and Landon.  

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch, MN on October 30, 2026 at 11AM with visitation one hour prior.   He will be laid to rest next to his beloved at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Branch.