Gerald "Jerry" F. Riley

Gerald F. Riley, Jerry 83, of Rochester, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at The Mayo Clinic, St. Marys campus. Jerry was born January 23, 1934 in Rochester to Francis and Beulah (Cliff) Riley. He was a graduate of Rochester High School. In October 1958, Jerry married Arlene Mitchell at The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester. Jerry proudly served his country and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He drove truck for Quarve Anderson Gravel before going to work and retiring from Marigold Dairy after 20 plus years of service. He enjoyed woodworking, painting, camping, fishing and hunting. Jerry loved watching the Twins and the Vikings and also tending to his flower gardens that were always filled with beautiful marigolds and gladiolas. Jerry was quiet but an intense listener, a jokester with a big heart and was known for his great smile smiley Riley. Jerry loved spending time with his family and had a special place in his heart for his granddaughter, Tirzah. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Arlene; sons, Chris Riley of Pine Island, Gregg Riley of Ft. Collins, CO; granddaughter, Tirzah Jones and sisters, Mary (Jim) Berg of Stillwater, Barb (Roy) Sutherland of Rochester, Sara (Curt) Lingbeck of Wabasha and Debra Shogren of Laramie, WY. Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Riley and his parents, Francis and Beulah. A funeral will be held 11:00 AM Monday, May 8, 2017 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 2:00-4:00 PM Sunday, May 7, 2017 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com