Gerald H. Christesen

Jerry was born March 24, 1938, in Detroit. When he was around 9 years old his family returned to their hometown of Iron Mountain. Jerry grew up on Bass Lake where many generations of family members have fond memories.

He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1956. He attended a Bible college in Minnesota, then attended Augustana College, Luther College and then received his BA degree from Dana College in Nebraska. He next attended Central Seminary and received his Master of Divinity in 1967 and became an ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church of America.

He served St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind.; Trinity Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Wis.; Messiah Lutheran Church in Constantine, Mich.; and Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic, Mich. Following his retirement, he ministered at Calvary Lutheran Church in Quinnesec.

He was known for preaching the Grace of God in his sermons and his love of people. He organized large CROP walks involving community churches to support local and world hunger relief.

Jerry met his wife, Barbara Menkel, at Dana College and they married in 1963. They raised four sons together. Their marriage ended in 1991. Jerry later re-met his childhood friend, Dianne Rommel, and they became inseparable. They traveled to France and enjoyed many destinations together. Jerry loved his four sons, his grandchildren and their families.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Ada Christesen.

Jerry is survived by his girlfriend, Dianne Rommel; his sons and their wives, Ted (Laurie), Eric (Chris), Pete (Lydia) and Dane (Ann); his brothers and a sister, Jim (Noreen), David (Carol) and Linda (Doug); 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Jerry was deeply loved by his family and many members of the congregations that he faithfully served.

Memorials can be given to Calvary Lutheran Church in Quinnesec.

A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Quinnesec.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gerald H. Christesen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.