Gerald J. Wenthold

RUSHFORD, MINN. - Gerald "Jerry" John Wenthold, 74, of Rushford died Thursday, October 5, 2006, at Gundersen ? Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wis. Gerald was born on October 25, 1931, in Festina, Iowa to Albert and Evelyn (Rothmeyer) Wenthold. Jerry was raised in Festina. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. On December 30, 1961 he married Barbara Paulson in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jerry farmed in Postville Iowa until 1969, when he moved to Rushford. He farmed in Rushford until 1994. Jerry then moved to Osakis, Minn. where he owned and operated a motel as well as working as a golf course caretaker. In 2004, he moved back to Rushford where he lived the remainder of his life. His interests included Crossword Puzzles and Old-time Country Music. He was also a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Jerry is survived by two sons: Wayne (Kerry) Wenthold of Black River Falls, Wis., and David (Stephanie) Wenthold of Hopkins, Minn.; two daughters: Karen (Steven) Rislov of Rushford, Minn., and Mary Jo (Dave) Rosenow of Hopkins, Minn.; three grandchildren: Matthew, Brandy, and Jessica; one brother: Jim (Jane) Wenthold of Ossian, Iowa; and three sisters: Arlene (Joe) Thuente of Ackley, Iowa, Helen Hoefer of Fairbanks, Iowa, and Germaine (Orville) Hanken of Maple Grove, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents and is wife, Barbara. There will be a Funeral Mass for Jerry at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 9, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rushford, Minn. with the Rev. Joseph Pete officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by the Murphy ? Johnson American Legion Post of Rushford. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Hoff Funeral Homes ? Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the Church.