Jerry Dean Boyd, 74, Mantorville
Celebrating a Life of Service and Family.
Jerry Dean Boyd, of Mantorville, passed away on February 2, 2023 at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota surrounded by family, following a brief struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Jerry was born on November 22, 1948 to Laurine (Schwartz) Boyd and Dal Leland Boyd in Big Springs, Texas. He spent most of his childhood in Forsan and Synder. After high school Jerry enlisted in the Army and turned 18 in route to Vietnam where he spent 2 terms. He was a combat medic for a total of 8 years and then was honorably discharged.
Jerry met Carol Rae Boyd (Christenson) in Frankfurt, Germany while he was in the military and Carol served as a civilian nurse. Then later they married in 1976 at the chapel in the hospital in Waco, Texas, where Carol was working.
Jerry had one daughter Michelle Dawn Boyd (deceased 1992) in a prior marriage. Jerry and Carol had two daughters: Katy Renae Boyd and Christy Noel Boyd. Carol and Jerry have two grandchildren: Hayden Samuel Boyd and Russell Dean Anderson.
Jerry took an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. When his girls were growing up he was consumed by his daughters’ sports while also volunteering as coach for many of them. Later on, Jerry enjoyed the company of his grandsons. Not missing any games of Haydens and watching football every chance they had. He could always count on Russell for a helping hand and was amazed at his work ethic and always treated him after at the chocolate shoppe.
Jerry enjoyed a life of community service. He was active with the Lions Club in Kasson for many years, where he introduced softball tournaments and started the flag project. He also served with Faith in Action, he cooked lunches for the American Legion in Kasson for many years, Meals on Wheels, and took pictures of high school sporting events for the DCI. Most recently, it brought Jerry much joy to serve at the Mantorville Senior Center, where he started the Senior Coffee every Tues and Wed morning.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents and daughter Michelle. He is survived by wife Carol, children Katy and Christy and grandchildren Hayden and Russell, siblings Charles “Sonny” (Paula) Boyd of Colorado, Thomas Wayne (Dolly) Boyd of Alabama, and Opal Nell Stout of Texas.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, February 11th from noon- 4 at the Mantorville Senior Center (601 Clay St, Mantorville, MN 55955), where he volunteered. In lieu of flowers, Jerry had requested donations be made to the Mantorville Senior Center.