Gerald Howard Covel Sr.

Gerald “Jerry” Covel Sr. was born on October 22, 1946, in Alexandria, Minnesota the son of Howard and Agnes (Fraisl) Covel. He graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in 1964 and furthered his education at Alexandria Technical College and graduated in 1966. After graduation Jerry worked for World Aerospace in Minneapolis for 4 years before returning to Alexandria working at Douglas Machine as a Machinist. He retired from Douglas after 39 years of employment.

On August 17, 1968, he was united in marriage to Bee Geris. To this union two sons were born, Jerry Jr. and Michael. The family lived on Lake Carlos most of their life where Jerry enjoyed watching the sunsets and going fishing. He also enjoyed camping, Nascar/Sprint Car Races, snowmobiling, JD Tractor Shows and traveling throughout the United States with Bee.

His legacy is his family – time with them was cherished. Jerry will be remembered as having a quiet personality and his strength was his faith, family and friends. Jerry cherished his monthly gatherings with his Douglas retirees who were part of his Quality Control Department.

Jerry died on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with his family by his side after fighting a courageous battle with dementia and Parkinson’s since 2019. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bee; sons: Jerry Jr. (Melissa), Mike; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, sister, Margaret (Ralph) Kremers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father & mother-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, 10:30 – 11:30 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.