Gerald "Jerry" Geris

Gerald “Jerry” Geris, age 85, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 21, 1940, in Carlos Township to Sylvester “Ves” and Luella “Lou” (Schmidt) Geris.

Jerry grew up in Alexandria and began his career in construction. His strong work ethic led him to successful business ventures: over-the-road trucking, blacktopping, and sand casting. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed many hobbies, including beekeeping, making maple syrup, winemaking, making smoked sausage, and gardening.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt. Over the years, he hunted bear, deer, geese, and turkey. He also loved spending time on the lake, fishing throughout the year.

One of Jerry’s greatest passions was stock car racing. He started ice racing on Lake Jessie in the early 1960s and went on to dirt track racing in 1965. Behind the wheel of the 1-2 race car, Jerry found great success. He was a six-time track champion at Viking Speedway and was the first driver inducted into the Viking Speedway Hall of Fame. His family loved watching him race and cheering him on.

Jerry also had a passion for John Deere tractors—driving them, collecting them, and making sure they were mechanically sound and “running like a Deere.” He spent many years threshing with family and friends. These were special times filled with fun, friendship, and lasting memories.

His love of driving extended to motorcycles. One of his most memorable adventures was an 8,500-mile motorcycle trip to Alaska.

Jerry married Kathy Berglin, and together they welcomed Chuck, Curt, and Cindy. Later, Jerry married Beanie (Ofstedal) Peterson and expanded his family with two daughters, Brenda and Vicki. Jerry shared many of his talents and interests with his family, hoping to pass along the traditions and activities that meant so much to him.

Jerry loved to jump in a vehicle and travel, making many friendships along the way. He had a great sense of humor and could deliver a one-liner like no other. He will be forever missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Jerry is survived by his children, Chuck (Janice) Geris, Curt (Margo Niehaus) Geris, Cindy (Dave Larson) Kluver, Brenda (Chad) Beheng, and Vicki (Jason) Sward; stepchildren, Bruce (Cindy) Peterson, Laurie (Curt) Flesner, and Michael Peterson; grandchildren, Jeremy (Sarah) Geris, Brock Geris, Ryan Geris, Ashley (Garrett) Johnson, Emily Geris, Hunter Geris, Cody Kluver, Dylan (Laura) Larson, Justin (fiancé Mackenzie Bakeberg) Larson, Bryce (Madison Thun) Sward, Mallory (Andrew Larson) Sward, Erika (fiancé Nate Pederson) Peterson, Jason (Becky Mittleider) Peterson, Mandi (Chad) Dircks, and Alison (Jon) Tollakson; great-grandchildren, Jameson, Lauren, and Wyatt Geris; Alisa, Garrison, Lollie, and Grafton Johnson; Cameron and Miles Larson and Jayce Lebrun; Carrine Larson, Liam Gilpin, and Novi Peterson; Josh and Madison Dircks; Audrey Tollakson; siblings, Robert “Bob” (Mary) Geris, Mary Anne (Jim) Zastrow, Micki Meyers, and Bea Covel; sister-in-law, Mary (Daniel) Hjelm; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ves and Lou; brother Butch Geris; brothers-in-law Bob Meyers, Jerry Covel, Jim Johnson, Stanley Ofstedal, Ronald Ofstedal, Gerald Ofstedal, and Roger Ofstedal; sisters-in-law Marze Johnson and Marlyce Anderson; former spouses Kathy Wheeler and Beanie Geris; son-in-law Todd Kluver; and grandsons Isaac Kluver and Cory Pierce.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 2:30 pm.