Gerald “Jerry” LeRoy Bubolz of Thief River Falls, Wis., died Feb. 17, 2022, age 76.

“Jesus said unto her, ‘I am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live’.”  ~ John 11:25

“...for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.”  ~ Nehemiah 7:2

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  ~ Ephesians 4:32

Gerald “Jerry” LeRoy Bubolz, the son of the late Gordon and Amelia (Juve) Bubolz was born in Appleton, Wis., on Aug. 9, 1945. He spent his childhood years and early youth in Appleton where he graduated from Appleton High School (now Appleton West High School). He furthered his education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and Capital Seminary (now Trinity Lutheran Seminary) in Columbus, Ohio.

On Oct. 20, 1976, Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Oistad. Their marriage vows were renewed on Oct. 27, 2007. To this union was born a daughter Emilie who is the love of her parents’ lives and was affectionately called “my October Shadow.”

Jerry was baptized, confirmed, and celebrated his ordination into the Lutheran ministry at First English Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wis. He had a servant’s heart and not only ministered in parishes in Argyle, Minn.; Superior, Wis.; and Lancaster, Ohio, but also volunteered at various homeless shelters and with custodial duties at church. After moving to Thief River Falls, Minn., he held part-time positions at Glenmore Recovery Center and Northern Lights Community Residence.

Jerry was a gifted cartoonist, vocal soloist, author of children’s stories, avid reader, a committed student of the Bible, and a prayer warrior.

Although he was afflicted with neurofibromatosis, an illness which resulted in a physical challenge, Jerry did not allow his disability to define him. His greatest legacies and lessons for humanity were his sense of humor and his ability to forgive, forget, and never hold a grudge toward those who had wronged him. He would often say, “Forgiven. Forgotten. Forever.”

Jerry was called to his heavenly home on Feb. 17, 2022. Not only is he free of his suffering, but he is also dancing to and singing one of his favorite songs: Lord of the Dance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law (Gilbert and Jordis Oistad), his brother Allen Bubolz, and his sister-in-law Kay Bubolz. Left to mourn are his wife of forty-five years Mary Ellen, his precious daughter Emilie, sister Amelia Rugland (Walter Rugland ’59), brother John (Patti) Bubolz, brothers-in-law James (Patricia) Oistad, Paul (Marlys) Oistad, David (Connie) Oistad, and Mark (Carole Dickson) Oistad, Luther College buddies Thomas Carlisle ‘68 and Warren “Skip” Rumsch ‘68, international brothers Gürcel Hancı and Mounir Neamatalla, cousins, and many nieces and nephews to whom he was affectionately known as Uncle JerBear.

The family wishes to thank first responders; the staff at Johnson Funeral Service, especially Jana Martin and Eric Johnson; and countless friends and family members for their outpouring of love during this difficult time. For additional information and updates and to share memories and condolences, please go to https://www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. A celebration of life in the spring is pending.