Jerome “Jerry” Henry Friedsam passed away on his birthday, June 14, 2018. He always said he wanted to live to 83, and this he did. Jerry passed away peacefully with his wife of 53 years, Joanne, by his side.
Jerry was born and grew up in Perham, Minnesota. In 1960 he joined the army and served his country while stationed in Germany. After his time in the army Jerry found work in Montana and moved there, but he maintained his ties to family and friends in Perham. It was in Perham that Jerry met and married Joanne Mathison and in 1964 the two of them started their life together in Montana. Shortly after the move to Montana their daughter Teresa was born.
Jerry’s working years were spent as a heavy equipment operator. Road construction in Montana meant the family had to move and live in many towns throughout the state. East Helena became the permanent home for the Friedsam family and they have lived there for 42 years.
Once Jerry had a permanent residence he was able to create his dream garage, which had everything a handyman would want. His creative mind allowed him to build and fix just about anything, and he obviously loved doing this. Without question, Jerry was the go-to guy in the neighborhood for fixes to problems. WW II history, engine operation and John Deere tractors were other interests and the level of his knowledge in these areas was extensive. It will surprise no one that Jerry’s final journey will be in a John Deere tractor urn.
It is fair to say that Jerry was one of a kind, a truly unique individual. Those that had the privilege to know him use words such as genuine, no nonsense, truthful and honorable to describe him. His word meant everything, and he would do anything for family and friends. Jerry was truly one of the most outgoing and friendly people most of us will ever meet. It seemed that everyone knew him. This is quite a complement.
Jerry is survived by Joanne Friedsam (wife) and Teresa Friedsam (daughter) Donald Olson (son-in-law) along with many in-laws. Preceded in death by Edward and Emma Friedsam (parents) and Thomas and Robert Friedsam (brothers).
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Jerry will return home to his Perham MN roots to be buried close to his parents and other family members in the cemetery of St. Lawrence Church. The internment will be scheduled for later this summer. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jerry.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Wednesday June 20, 2018
social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Wednesday June 20, 2018
social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mary says
Jerry was part of the VA family, the plastic surgery clinic will miss saying “JERRY”. He would always say hi to each of us nurses and if someone was missing he’d tell us to make sure we said say hi from him. He was determined to maintain his independence and was a dedicated husband. I am grateful he was at home living his life to the end. It was an honor to participate in his care over the years. We will miss him.
Kathy Sim says
We all send our Deepest Sympathy Teresa and Joanne! Many memories of your Dad Loved Him as our Uncle And we all shared many Christmas and lots of his visits to Perham and your Dad never left without saying Hi or Greeting some one he knew. Loved all his stories and he always made me smile. I’ll never forget him saying he needs to rent the 4 H building when he comes to Perham so everyone can visit him! He is having fun vsiting everyone now and he is home with family! I’LL Cherish his memories May God Bless.Kathy Sim, Bob, Dan Jim Kathy, Mark!
Audrey Blomquist says
Joanne and Theresa: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Please let me know if we can be of any help. Thinking of you. Audrey Blomquist
Steve & Coleen Ward says
We will remember Jerry as a great man and neighbor. We will miss his talks over the fence, he always had an extra beer for us. He always had a great story to tell us, like how he brought in asphalt in buckets to pave the street in front of their place. He would drive by slowly, wave, stop and pick up garbage or rocks in the street. We were so happy to move next door to such nice people. He will be deeply missed. Steve and Coleen Ward
Susan Seifert says
So sorry for your loss Jo Ann and Theresa and Don. My prayers are for all of you today and for the rest of the times you need. Jerry was a much-loved man and always so interesting to talk to.
Connie Berg Cutler says
I was just thinking about Jerry the other day. I saw an old blue car coming down the road and thought oh there is my buddy Jerry, only to realize that it didn’t have the roof rack on it. I will miss running into him in Walmart and talking about the highway that he helped construct by Hobson. We had many discussions about that part of Montana. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jerry will be missed greatly.
Lexana Flink says
I’m so sorry to hear Jerry passed he was a treat to have around I loved when he would come into Heritage he would always stop and talk I knew him for11 1/2 years if he had something to sell Jerry would come to me Lex would you like to buy this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family RIP Jerry
LINDA STOREY says
I am so sorry to hear this I remember so many good times around the Friedsam family
Linda Grotte Storey
Teresa Gustine says
Joanne & Teresa,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a great guy! Always so generous and so proud of you, Teresa! He and his blue car will be missed around the neighborhood.
Hugs to you both.
Teresa & Rusty Gustine
IUOE 400 Board, Members and Staff says
May it comfort you to know how many caring thought are with you at this sad time.