Gerald W. A. Hamre

Gerald W. A. Hamre

Gerald W. A. Hamre, 86, lifelong resident of Hibbing, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at home with family by his side.

He was born November 30, 1937, to Alwood and Viola (Bye) Hamre in Hibbing, Minn. Gerald attended Hibbing schools and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1957. He later started his own company, Hamre Masonry and worked in the industry for many years before retiring in 2004. He married Diane Larson on August 11, 1962, in Hibbing. Together they raised their family and had been happily married for 61 years.

Gerald was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Hibbing, he was on the board of directors for Leisure Hills, past president of Hibbing Figure Skating Club, a member of the Hibbing Elks Lodge, an active member of the Hibbing Rifle and Pistol Club and Trap Club. He was also a member of the Cement Finishers Local Union. While he enjoyed his civic duties, he found much happiness belonging to a variety of coffee clubs with his lifelong friends, many times having coffee two to three times a day. He was also one of the founding members of the MUNG (Minnesota Unemployed Nice Guys) Industries where they would gather to talk about life and solving the world's problems at the local level. He and his buddies loved running meeting notices in the local newspaper, even though it was not an official club. For those who knew Jerry, he was not one to wear his emotions on his sleeves, but if he had something to say, he would say it. His favorite go to lines were: "Wait a minute now," "What's the deal?" or if he was going to tell you how he wanted something done, he would simply say, "Here's the deal." Jerry enjoyed the simple things in life but was always quick to help someone out no matter what the favor was. He also thoroughly enjoyed "sight in days" at the gun club as it was a way for him to socialize with hunters, both young and old alike.

He enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, shooting, reloading ammo, or going to his grandchildren's sporting events in Hibbing or Mankato. Gerald was very proud of his last project as he eased himself into retirement by building a cabin on Lake Vermilion for his daughter and son-in-law. He jokingly referred to himself as the low bidder and told his daughter and son in law to just buy his gas and an occasional candy bar for his efforts. Once the cabin was built, he loved heading north to spend time with his family and the friends he met while building the cabin and doing some fishing on Lake Vermilion.

Gerald was a member at the Mesaba Country Club and Mens Bowling League.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane Hamre, Hibbing; children, Debra (Stephen) Radzak, Mankato, Minn., and Terri (Brian K.) Anderson, Hibbing; his siblings: Joanne (Gerry) Enroth, Sharon Hamre, and Marsha (Jeff Stokes) Hamre, all of Hibbing, and Linda Jensen, Grandview, Wash.; four grandchildren: Jessica and Rebecca Radzak, and Carter and Drew Anderson; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alwood and Viola; sister, Kathleen Knutie; brother, Robert "Butch" Hamre; and Susie Gilbert.

A public visitation will take place at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hibbing from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 31. Per Jerry's request, a private family funeral will then be held following the visitation. The Rev. Michelle Miller will officiate. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Fairview Range Hospice and especially Gerald's team, Zach and Sarah for the exceptional care given to him in his final days.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.