Gerald Drietz, Sr.

Gerald "Jerry" Drietz was born November 17, 1931 to parents Della and Walter Drietz in Alta Vista Township near Taunton, Minnesota. He farmed with his father until unified with his wife Florence, on October 16, 1957 in the St. Leo Catholic Church. They were married 58 years. He passed away at New Horizons Adult Care Home on March 16, 2016 after 84 years of fruitful life with his family and friends.

Jerry farmed and owned 480 acres of land near Taunton, Minnesota until he moved with his family to Prescott, Arizona for health reasons in 1974. He served two years in the Army as an Armor Crewman, drove a tank in Korea, and received commemorations as a Marksman as well as a medal for Good Conduct. Jerry could often be found spending his time fishing and boating, working on cars, winning against his family members at backgammon and checkers, and traveling around the United States in his fifth wheel. He was an active member of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and spent many years as an usher there. He loved the outdoors and seeing new places.

Jerry will be remembered for his smile, quick wit, his sense of humor, generosity, devotion to his wife, children, grand-children and great grand-children, his impressive collection of bolo ties and his faith in the Lord. He will be missed dearly by all who love him.

He is survived by his wife, Florence Drietz; his children Gerald Drietz Jr., Lois Kruse, and Judy Drietz; his grand-children Scott Maerz Jr., Michael Maerz, Bryan Maerz, Nicole Jauregui, Michelle Drietz and Crystal Routhe; and his great grand-children Julian Maerz, Kimberly Maerz, Haley Maerz, and Ethan Maerz.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Susan Drietz, his parents Della and Walter Drietz, and his 3 brothers Garfield, Robert, and John.

Blessed be his memory.