Garold “Gary” Lee Jernberg, 72, of Northwood passed away peacefully with family by his side Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea of complications of congestive heart failure. Visitation and memorial services are set for Saturday at Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home in Northwood. Visitation begins at 3 p.m. and memorial services will be at 4:20 p.m.

Gary was born March 17, 1947, in  Austin to Harold and Marjorie (Serfling) Jernberg. He had one older sister, GayeAnn.

He attended Austin Public Schools until he enlisted in the United States Army in July of 1966. He served two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was in 1967 and the second was from 1970 to 1971. He then spent six years stationed in Germany. In April, 1979 he was honorably discharged from the Army.

After his discharge and until July 1984, he enjoyed a career as an over-the-road truck driver. In July 1984 he suffered a traumatic brain injury after being dragged by his horse. Doctors said he would never function normally again, but he proved all the doctors wrong.

In 1988 Gary and his parents moved to Georgia to live with his sister and ended up spending 17 years there. After his sister’s death he decided to move back to “God’s Country,” as he liked to call it, in 2005 and made Northwood his home by his daughter and her family.

He enjoyed camping over the years with his family and had a great love for animals, especially his puppies. He loved to tinker in his garage and keep his lawn well-manicured. Gary’s greatest accomplishment was serving his country as a soldier and defending his cherished rights to freedom.

Gary was very proud of his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He always said he wanted to live long enough to see them graduate and get married, even if it meant living till he was 120.

Gary is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Teresa and Steve Butler of Northwood; and grandchildren Clayton Butler of Lake Mills, and Sophia and Isabel Butler of Northwood.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Marjorie Jernberg; and sister, GayeAnn Borgshatz.