Gerard M. "Jerry" DaPra

Gerard "Jerry" DaPra, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Sue, at his side on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Wrenshall, Minnesota. He was born July 14, 1951, to his parents, Peter and Martha (Skolasinski) DaPra in Wakefield, Michigan. He grew up in Ramsay, Michigan, and graduated from Bessemer A. D. Johnston High School in 1969. After high school, he attended one year at Gogebic Community College and then enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972. After he was discharged from the Army, he joined the Michigan National Guard. While he was in the Guard, he attended Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, Michigan, and received his degree in Wastewater Treatment Technology. He worked one year at Finland Air Force Base in Finland, Minnesota, before starting his career at WLSSD in Duluth, Minnesota. He retired from WLSSD after 32 years.

Jerry married Sue Johnson in May of 1975 in Barnum, Minnesota. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they made their home in Wrenshall and had two children, Edward and Lynet.

His hobby was working with wood to create many different crafts, puzzles, Christmas ornaments, clocks, and decorative objects for each holiday. Jerry was always tending to his yard.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joseph; and a nephew, Peter Kowalski. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Edward (Eileen) DaPra of Lynnwood, Washington, and Lynet (Roger Schrader) DaPra of Delano, Minnesota; grandchildren, Skyla DaPra, Kylan DaPra, Layna DaPra, Auggie Schrader, and Levi Schrader; sister, Christine (David) Kowalski of Titus, Alabama; brother, Robert (Mary) DaPra of Wakefield, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Essentia Health Home Care and Essentia Health Hospice Teams over the past seven months for their wonderful care.

Services for Jerry will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care.