A celebration of life with sharing of memories for Gerald J. Joachim, 74, of Albert Lea will take place at noon Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Friends may visit with family at the funeral home one hour before services. Interment will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Lunder Lutheran Cemetery in rural Albert Lea. Military honors will be accorded by Albert Lea veterans organizations.

Gerald passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends Wednesday, July 31, 2019, after a long battle with cancer.

Gerald James Joachim was born June 17, 1945, in Albert Lea, the son of Olga (Lyngaas) and Kenneth John Joachim. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1963. He joined the Navy in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1970.

He spent three years of that service in Idaho Falls, Idaho, as a staff instructor. Then he was assigned to US HADDo SSN-604 Nuclear Submarine. Gerald worked at Prairie Island Nuclear Plant in Red Wing from 1971 until his retirement in 2003. His occupation was radiation protection and chemistry technician. He moved back to Albert Lea in 2008.

Gerald is survived by brother, Ken (Karen) Joachim; sisters Mary (Steve) Anderson, Betty (Ron) Stoick and Nancy (Michael) Olsen, all of Albert Lea; aunt, Gladys Bergland; uncle, Ordean Joachim; and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Olga (Lyngaas) and Kenneth Joachim; grandparents; aunts, uncles, cousins and niece, Tammy Norby.

Gerald enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing at Bud’s in Frazee, golfing, traveling and Las Vegas.

A special thank you is extended to Duane, Scott, Sue and Frank.

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers.