Jerry Roger Devilder

Jerry was born on October 10, 1941, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Freddie Albert De Vilder and Margaret Emma (Lavent) De Vilder.He spent his early years in and around Brooklyn, Iowa, attending country schools in Madison and Bear Creek townships.He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1960 and enlisted in the Navy in 1961.When his father died suddenly in 1962, Jerry was discharged to return to the family farm and help his mother and seven younger siblings at home. Jerry attended Ellsworth Junior College, where he played football, and later received an AA degree at Kirkwood Community College. Jerry moved to Rochester, MN, in 1986 and was employed as a sales associate for Montgomery Ward and at Chucks Appliance Store.At the time of his death he was Maintenance Manager at Hillcrest Apartments. Jerrys life took a dramatic turn in 1978, with a renewal of his Christian faith commitment.He spoke often and freely of his faith wherever he was.He was an active member of New Life Worship Center while living in Rochester. Jerry put himself fully into whatever he undertook, whether it was his job as maintenance manager or helping tend the grounds of the church or working with the Mechanical History Roundtable at the History Center of Olmsted County in Rochester. For a number of years he spent his vacation time helping with the fall harvest on his brother Davids farm and for neighboring farmers.He loved farm life and antique tractors and was especially proud of his own restored Farmall M tractor. A very social guy, Jerry enjoyed spending time with friend John Robey in Brooklyn in recent years, going to races, participating in antique tractor pulls and exhibitions, and visiting friends and family.He took special pleasure in getting to know his grandsons and watching their sporting activities. Jerry died Thursday, July 18, 2013, at the History Center farm as he was parking his tractor after mowing.He is survived by his sons, Adam DeVilder and Matthew Zimmerman; stepchildren Deanna Slaven-Hagele and Brian Slaven; three grandsons, Zachery, Keaton, and Brody Zimmerman; and his siblings, David (Margery) DeVilder, Mary OConnor, Carolyn (Lyle) Roudabush, Christine (Steven) George, Sam (Judy) DeVilder, and Jeff (Sara) DeVilder.He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Cynthia (John) Lurkens, by his former wife Cynthia Clubb, and by his former wife Rita Downs. A memorial service will be held at New Life Worship Center in Rochester at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 26.