Gerald Joseph Stensrud, son of Milo Otto and Mildred Mae (Peck) Stensrud, was born Sept. 29, 1942, in Rochester. He received his education in Albert Lea.

A memorial service is on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard, Iowa. The Rev. Neil Hayen will officiate. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment is at Ellington Cemetery, Mallard, Iowa. Martin-Mattice Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

On Dec. 10, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to Carol Meyer in Albert Lea. To this union two daughters were born.

Jerry was employed as an engineer in 1966 with Queens for several years and then went to work for Ice-O-Matic. He worked in Chicago, Pennsylvania and Denver. Ice-O-Matic bought out Queens so actually Jerry ended up retiring from the same company he started working for. During his career as an engineer Jerry developed three international patents and nine other patents. His health forced him to retire and he and Carol moved to Mallard where they were closer to family.

Jerry loved fishing and playing his guitar. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Stephen King novels. Jerry was a longtime friend of Bill W. and was always willing to help others whenever he could. He set up countless Web sites for people and loved doing computer work. Jerry&8217;s true love was his family and especially his grandchildren.

Jerry was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard. He was also a member of Jaycees, A.A., R.E.A.C.T. (a C.B. organization), and numerous professional organizations.

Jerry died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 65. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Stensrud; a sister and brother-in-law, Romaine and James Klawitter; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Norbert and Vest Meyer; a brother-in-law, David Meyer; as well as other dear relatives.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Mallard, Iowa; his children, Rhanah Becknal and her husband, Derek of Algona, Iowa, Kirstin Bradshaw and her husband, Brett of Springfield, Ill.; seven grandchildren; his father, Milo Stensrud of Winona; a brother, Richard Stensrud and his wife, Virginia of Lakefield; as well as many other relatives and countless friends.