Gerald Hesch 1960-2015

Normally, when a relative passes away, I re-print the obituary here so you know the details the way his/her family wants them to be remembered...but there was no obit and no funeral for Jerry, as per his wishes.  I can't do him justice, but I'll try.

Jerry's interment at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls was today.   It's a short, distinguished service held inside the building rather than graveside.  He was cremated, and his best friend made the beautiful house-shaped urn for his ashes.
Jerry's brother-in-law John gave a short eulogy, and Sue talked a little about her first memories of him.  He was 4 months old when Uncle Henry and Aunt Idella took him home as a foster child.  She said that they asked the state if it was ok to raise him as a Catholic, including having him baptized.  They wanted to stay involved with his care even if his birth parents wanted him back, so they became his godparents.  Sue just assumed that that was how you got siblings, and was surprised when they asked her if she would like him to be her brother, when he was three.  Of course, he already was.
Others who spoke at the service talked about what a good and generous friend he was, always willing to help, no matter what.  I'll remember him as a soft-spoken, gentle man, bewildered at suddenly being in the hospital with paralysis, and then a diagnosis of cancer.
He married Theresa Joyce , and their three adult kids are Leo, Tyler and Molly.
Rest in peace, Jerry.