Gerald “Jerry” L. Below, 85, Dickinson, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at his home with his loving wife by his side. Jerry’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart with Fr. Shane Campbell as celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the Dickinson Mausoleum. Military Honors will be provided by the Belfield American Legion William C. Blair Post 144. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Jerry was born on November 15, 1939, in Spencer, WI, to Martin and Jennie (Moan) Below. Jerry was the youngest of four born to the family and completed their family tree. Jerry grew up outside of Spencer on a farm and walked 2.5 miles each way to school during the week. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1957. Jerry was an all-around athlete; you could find him on the baseball field, football field, or on the basketball court. During high school, he achieved All-State Awards in basketball and baseball. After graduation, Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served 2 ½ years in active duty. After his service, he came home to find out his folks had sold the farm and moved to town while he was away.
His first real job after the service, he worked during the Summer for Dairy Belt Cheese Factory for four years, while he attended the University of Wisconsin. Jerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree, which began his diagnostic work for laboratories and companies. It turned into a lifelong passion and dedication that took him all over the United States and other countries. Upon graduating from college, Jerry obtained his pilot’s license and flew his team places while employed at Belgrade Superior Feeds, where he led 1400 independent growers (Belgrade, MN).
In 1962, Jerry married Rose Krings, and in 1966 their daughter Denise was born, then in 1969 their son Tim was born.
Jerry was a traveler and explorer. His career took him from Wisconsin to Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and back to Minnesota. Jerry loved diagnostic work, owned a few of his own businesses, and worked with a few hospitals during his career.
In 2006, Jerry met his wife, LaVonne Goetsch, while visiting Medora. LaVonne introduced Jerry to some good pheasant hunting areas, and they began communicating regularly. A year later, while LaVonne was in the process of moving to Bismarck, Jerry suggested lunch so LaVonne could meet his favorite hunting companion, “Chase.” Jerry decided that since “Chase” approved of LaVonne, she should move to Toad Lake, MN, with them. On May 8th, 2014, Jerry and LaVonne married and enjoyed their time together at their home in Vergas, MN. Jerry worked for several more years at the business he loved before retiring to focus on his fishing, Chase, playing cards, and spending time with his wife.
In 2022, Jerry and LaVonne moved to Dickinson, to be closer to family. His focus became spending time with LaVonne and doting on their “great grandbabies” with lots of sweets.
Jerry is survived by his wife, LaVonne (Goetsch) Below; children, Denise Lucas and Tim Below; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
