GERALD STRONG, Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Frank Strong, 64, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2002, at a Havre hospital of emphysema.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Jude Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial with full military

honors to follow at the Highland Cemetery. A fellowship will be held at the St. Jude Social Hall immediately after the committal rite at the cemetery.

Jerry was born March 10, 1938, to Arthur and Ida (Foote) Strong in Junction City, Ore. He graduated from Stayton High School in Oregon. After graduation, Jerry joined the Marine Reserves. In 1957, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Morocco, in Havre, and in Sioux City, Iowa. He was discharged in 1964.

Jerry married Sherry Minnick. The couple later divorced.

On Oct. 27, 1976, Jerry married Linda Leens. Jerry worked for Ryan Wholesale in Havre. He then became a conductor with the railroad in 1969, retiring in 1992. He was also a broker for the Flynn and Strong Realty Co. in Havre while working for the railroad. He retired from real estate in 1978.

Jerry enjoyed fishing, working with computers, collecting Norman Rockwell artwork, and both watching and playing football and softball. He was a Steeler fan. His senior year of high school, he played linebacker in the Shrine Game. He enjoyed being with his friends, and his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ida (Foote) Strong, and son, Scott Strong.

Survivors include his wife, Linda (Leens) Strong of Havre; brothers, Larry (Dottie) Strong of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mel (Lana) Strong of Eugene, Ore.; sister, Jan (Richard) Carlton of Eugene, Ore.; son, Kirk (Bonnie) Strong of Missoula; daughters, Toni Strong of Spokane, Wash., JoAnne Strong of Kalispell, Veronica (Alan) Springer of Columbia Falls, LaRee (Joe) Kurns of Helena; 11 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorials in Jerry's honor may be made to the 6th Avenue Softball Association, P. O. Box 1641, Havre, MT 59501, or Bear Paw Hospice, c/o Northern Montana Hospital, 30 W. 13th St., Havre, MT 59501

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.