Gerald “Jerry” Earl

Gerald “Jerry” Earl, age 85 of Westbrook, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Monday prior to the service at church. Interment will be in the Westbrook Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Murray County Hospice. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gerald “Jerry” Duane Earl was born August 25, 1937 to Leslie and Luella (Nelson) Earl in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School. Jerry married Deanne Marie Prosser on October 8, 1955. The couple made their home in Albert Lea. Jerry enjoyed playing softball and hockey in his younger years and later he coached at the Bantam hockey level. In 1976, the couple moved to Westbrook, where they owned and operated Elkhorn Inn and worked alongside each other. Also, during that time, Jerry operated Earl Plumbing and Heating. Jerry was a member and a custodian for several years at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman and was known for being a stubborn but loveable guy. He would often travel up north to Bemidji to visit his son Squirrel. Together, with some of Squirrel’s friends, they would go fishing and hunting. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his “second” family in Bemidji.

Gerald is survived by his children: Julie (Randy) VanDeWiele of Windom and Steve (Carmel) of Westbrook; grandchildren: Tiffany Wahl, Rachel (fiancé Brian) Stevens, Christopher (Mercedes) VanDeWiele; Brandon (Heidi) Earl, Samantha (Adam) Laabs, Michaela Holmgren, Kristy (Dylan) Winter, and Kari (Steven) Reighard; 13 great grandchildren; sisters: Joyce Sloan and Sandi (Ron) Boekelman; sister-in-law Virginia Earl; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Dee, son Gregory “Squirrel” Earl, brother Don, and brother-in-law Bud Sloan.