Funeral services were held for Gerald “Jerry” Huisman on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Bethel Reformed Church, rural Ellsworth with Rev. Matt Miller, officiating. Burial followed in the Bethel Reformed Cemetery, Ellsworth, MN. Gerald “Jerry” Huisman, age 81, of Ellsworth, MN died Wednesday May 10, 2017 at Parkview Manor in Ellsworth, MN.
Gerald H. “Jerry” Huisman was born October 27, 1935, on the family farm in Lyon County, IA, the son of Klaas W. and Anna (Eeten) Huisman. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1953. On February 24, 1962 Gerald was united in marriage to Karen Kay Hubers at the Bethel Reformed Church. Gerald and Karen were blessed with three children, Lisa, Greg and Brant. After their marriage, Gerald and Karen lived in Rock Rapids for a short time while Gerald worked at the Farmer’s Coop. Elevator in Ellsworth. They moved to Minneota, MN where Gerald was an on the road salesman before returning to Ellsworth in 1963. He became assistant manager at the Farmer’s Coop. Elevator. In 1968 Gerald was hired by Cominco American, Inc. to manage a new fertilizer plant that was constructed in Ellsworth. He watched the business grow each year and enjoyed his relationships with his many customers. He continued in the fertilizer and chemical sales business until he retired in 1997. After retirement, Gerald enjoyed farming his land, restoring old tractors and cars and collecting antiques. He enjoyed listening to 50’s and gospel music. Gerald was a sports fan who played a lot of softball in his early years. He was a loyal fan of the Ellsworth Panthers. He was also a charter member of the Ellsworth Optimist Club. Family was extremely important to Gerald and he treasured time spent with them. He especially enjoyed attending activities of his children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He had a great impact on their lives. Gerald was a lifelong member of the Bethel Reformed Church, where he served as an Elder and a Deacon. Gerald leaves behind a legacy of honesty, integrity, love for his family and love for his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Karen, of Luverne, MN; daughter, Lisa Huisman of Ellsworth, MN; sons, Greg (Dawn) of Ellsworth; Brant (Jennifer) of Luverne, MN; six grandchildren; Dalton, Alexa, Makayla, Anna, Olivia and Levi; sisters, Anita (Virgil) Wiertzema of Worthington, MN and Lorraine (Arnold) Baron of Visalia, CA; sisters-in-law, Shirley Huisman and Judy Huisman both of Rock Rapids, Sandra Scholten of Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Klaas and Anna Huisman; three sisters, Pearl Huisman, Gladys Fiihr and Bernice Walters; six brothers, Weert, George, Fred, Art, Clifford and Russel; brothers-in-law, Leo Fiihr and Hank Walters; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Weert) Huisman, Elsie (Fred) Huisman and Shirley (Art) Huisman.
Blessed be the memory of Gerald Huisman. May comfort come in the wonderful memories he created with his family and friends. We will all be together again one day.
