Jerry Noren

Jerry Noren, age 71, of St. James, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System- Fairmont.

Memorial services will be 11:00am, Saturday, November 5, 2022, at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, rural St. James, with Rev. Mandy France officiating.

Visitation will be at the church one hour before services. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, East Sveadahl Cemetery fund, or the charity of one’s choice.

Jerry Wayne Noren was born June 24, 1951 in New Ulm. He is the son of Harold and Viola (Lange) Noren. Jerry was baptized and confirmed at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. He attended country school near Saint James and graduated from Saint James High School. He graduated from Mankato State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He married Lynette Jackson on September 22, 1979 and had three daughters: Kylee, Jarah, and Andrea.

Jerry renovated his paternal grandparents’ house. He and his family resided on the farm he grew up on. His parents lived next door to him and his family throughout his adult life.

Jerry was proud to live and work on his family’s three generation farm. He could often be found tending to his pigs, building something in the wood shed, tinkering with machinery, or farming his land. Throughout the years he used his handyman skills to create bookshelves, bird houses, and small tables. If he wanted to accomplish something, he would not quit until the job was done to his liking. One of his greatest builds was a large entryway coat rack that he built for his eldest daughter. He built it, took it apart, drove to Arizona, and put it back together again once there. He was active in 4-H both as a child and with his daughters. He took great pride in their projects – especially when it came to showing rabbits at the county fair.

Jerry also worked for the United States Postal Service for many years. He walked about 10 miles a day on his route and made many friendships with those whose mail he delivered.

Throughout his lifetime, Jerry enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. In high school, he was part of a band called Seventh Flight. Later on he formed a band called Full House. They performed at fair grounds and wedding dances. Jerry sang an Elvis song at all three of his daughters' weddings. Collecting small model cars and trains was a hobby of his. He was well-known for his love of ice cream, long friendly conversations, and donating to charities. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapshooting, traveling, watching historical documentaries, politics, and spending time with his family, friends, and pets. Jerry was active in his local community by being a member of the church board. He also participated in the Watonwan Game and Fish Club.

Jerry passed peacefully surrounded by his family on October 17, 2022 at the Fairmont Medical Center.

Jerry is survived by his wife Lynette, children: Kylee (Paul) O’Malley of Arizona and their children Landon and Patrick, Jarah (Brandon) Hagen of St. James, Andrea (Jacob) Rubischko of Hutchinson, brother Dwayne (Cathy) Noren of Plymouth, sister-in-law Angela (Larson) Noren of Saint James, brother-in-law Randy Jackson of St. Peter, and brother-in-law Alan Jackson (Sandy) of Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ron Noren.

Jerry was a hard-worker his entire life and he took pride in his farm and friends. He loved many people and felt deep compassion for those in need. Above all else, he loved his family – especially his grandsons, Landon and Patrick. We will miss him dearly and hold on to the many memories we have of him.