Several people have communicated surprise at Dad's passing, or thinking things were maybe going in a different direction than how they ultimately went. Things did go pretty quickly, but considering the diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer, we were extremely blessed and grateful that we had as much time with Dad as we did. Pancreatic cancer, statistically, has the lowest survival rate, at 2%. However, with Dad defying so many other odds, I think we all figured, if anyone could beat it, it would be him.

Just for context, Dad was still making plans to upgrade his jetsurf board in May, and talking about many other things he wanted to do this summer and beyond.  There were occasional flickers of, "I know there's a chance I might not survive this," uttered by Dad.  However, those thoughts were brief. He believed he'd be enjoying another season of summer sports once the ice went out. We love that he trusted the Lord all the way through this difficult journey, knowing he could be healed at any time. What a gift to be able to live fully, never fixating on a discouraging diagnosis, but living in the present and just enjoying each day as it came. He would challenge all of us to do the same.

Gerald (Jerry) James Herman, 78, went Home to Jesus on Saturday, April 9, 2022, five months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born to Edward and Johanna (Joan) Herman on Oct 21, 1943. He lived in Anoka with his two brothers, Duane (Butch) and Ron. He married Linda Groth, of Brainerd, MN and they lived on Lake George, his childhood “playground”, where he wanted to raise his kids, Andrea, Amy & Aaron.

Jerry was a man of faith, and a lifelong farmer, who also worked 3 years in North Dakota in his 70s. With lots of wind in ND and some free time on his hands, he took up “kiteboarding”. So many of Jerry’s favorite things involved water sports and family. In his younger years it was waterskiing and sailing. In his 70s he added wake surfing,“jetsurfing” (riding a powered surfboard), building a hydrofoil board for his 6 grandkids (Caleb, Brooke, Emily, Ty Levi and Brecken), and creating rideable homemade contraptions to give him more ways to enjoy his “kiting addiction”. Jerry also loved to travel and see new places with Linda, whether on their sailboat in the ocean or in their RV, traveling the country. Jerry was known for his easy laugh, great stories, incredible work ethic, fun-loving, adventurous spirit, DIY skills and ability to “Jerry rig” anything. 

Jerry was quick to respond when anyone needed help. His passion for life, in work and play was his hallmark. Jerry’s example always spoke louder than his words, but especially in his last months as love, kindness, gentleness, patience and thankfulness seemed to pour out of him, even under the toughest circumstances. Jerry was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and son. His presence here with us will be dearly missed, but we rest in the promise of being reunited with him in Heaven for all eternity.