Gerald Arthur “Jerry” Homstad died at 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon, April 13, at his home in Helena from complications of prostate cancer. Jerry was born on July 26, 1920, in Charbonneau, North Dakota—a town which today is just an abandoned grain elevator and some outbuildings sinking into the western North Dakota prairie. Jerry was the oldest son of Adolph and Bernice (Pederson) Homstad and had one brother, Clarence Homstad. A younger brother, Adolph Junior, died as a young child during a flu epidemic.
Jerry grew up in Fairview, Montana, where Clarence still lives. Jerry played football, skated on the irrigation ditch when it froze in the winter, and hunted and fished with his family. He attended one year of college at Concordia College, in Moorhead, Minnesota, and then worked at a CCC camp during the construction of the Fort Peck Dam.
He met his beloved Gladys “Glad” Simon in Havre during the Second World War. They married on March 8, 1943, after which Dad served 26 months in the European Theatre as a staff sergeant in the 170th General Hospital, U.S. Army, returning to Havre in the early winter of 1946. Jerry and Glad were married just shy of 66 years. Glad passed away on December 16, 2008, after Jerry had lovingly cared for her during an extended illness. Jerry and Glad had two children: Gerald Edward and Carla Rae.
Jerry worked in retail most of his life and managed the J. M. McDonald store in downtown Helena during the 1970s. He then worked as a district manager in the Liquor Division of the State of Montana’s Department of Revenue. His outgoing, fun-loving personality made this work a perfect fit. Jerry could talk to anyone, make them laugh with a story, and sell them two of anything. All his life, Jerry loved to fish and hunt and could take you on his boat on Holter Lake or Gates of the Mountains to spots where he’d guarantee you’d catch a fish. He also played a mean game of cribbage and would usually win at poker.
After he retired, Jerry became increasingly active in the American Legion, Post 2, and was post commander in 1994-1995. He supported the work of Montana Boys’ State and frequently served as a counselor during its sessions. He loved American Legion baseball and may have tried to sell your company some advertising in the game programs.
Most of all, Jerry was devoted to his family and a friend to many. His compassion and pioneer wisdom (“water runs downhill”) sustained his family and brightened the days of all those who were lucky enough to know him. Chores always came before fun, but that made the fun even better.
Surviving Jerry are his brother, Clarence, and his two children: Gerald E. “Jerry” Homstad, of Pocatello, Idaho, and Carla Homstad, of Missoula. Also surviving him are Jerry’s wife, Fedelita “Odie” Homstad, and his brother-in-law, Noel R. Davidson of Havre. Jerry also leaves behind three granddaughters and their families: Emily Walsh, her husband Jack, and their sons, JakeRyan, Joseph, and Jack, of Pocatello; Roxanne Homstad and her husband, Bob Blackner, of New Orleans; and Karen Homstad and her husband, Eric Nelson, of Pocatello. Surviving him, too, is his little dog, Cocoa, and many dear nieces and nephews, and their extended families.
The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Larry Winslow, who has been a dear friend and has helped Jerry on every step of this journey. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to his caregivers, Verna Waddington, Antonia Grace, and Anna May Boyd, as well as to all the staff of Frontier Hospice.
Viewing hours will be from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, located on the corner of Stuart and Henderson. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604 or to the charity of one’s choice.
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Denise Wheeler says
When I was the principal at Broadater Elementary School, Jerry was came to our school many times to present our students with the American Legion Award. Jerry was always a character and regaled us with many memories of his service to our country as well as stories of his children, of whom he was very proud. I am so sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that he touched many lives.
Howard Heffelfinger says
Jerry was one of the finest people I have ever known. I’ll never forget him. My best wishes to his family and others close to him.
Jared Hauskins says
Jerry and Carla –
Sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your father over the past 10+ years. I know he’ll never let me forget how much those new truck tires cost!
Lacynda and Bob Closson says
We are so sorry for your lose . We enjoyed living next door to you folks for 11yrs on Hauser.They are the most wonderful couple we ever had the privilege of knowing.
Tripp Hammer says
I worked with Gerry many years ago at the state. He always was a cheerful upbeat person. I was most lucky to meet him through lifes journeys. Thanks to the family for sharing him with everyone.