Jerald Werre

Jerald (Jerry) Wayne Werre, 72, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Brainerd, MN.

He was born November 21, 1952, in Grand Forks, ND to Joseph W. Werre Jr. and Helen (Michelson) Werre.

After briefly living in St. Paul and Dover, MN - Jerry spent the rest of his life living in Rochester, MN. Jerry met his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Jo Lynn Englund in 1968 and never looked back. They were married on August 5, 1972, and welcomed daughters Jill in 1974 and Julianne in 1975. Jerry loved Jo Lynn and his girls with all his heart and soul.

Jerry owned and operated Rochester Driving School for over 30 years. After closing the driving school business, Jerry worked at Homestead as the concierge and most recently at the desk in Cardiac Surgery at Mayo Clinic. Jerry retired on January 1, 2025.

Jerry leaves a legacy of love, joy, laughter & faith. He deeply loved his family and was very involved and invested in his beloved grandchildren. Jerry was passionate about the arts; writing, music and photography were hobbies that brought fulfillment to his life. Jerry sang and performed in the church choir for many years. The cabin in Pequot Lakes, MN was his place of solace and where he planned to spend the majority of his retirement. Throughout his life, Jerry enjoyed traveling with his wife, family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his adoring family, Jo Lynn Englund Werre, his wife of 52 years; daughter Jill (Greg) Wright, daughter Julianne (Todd Emanuel) Lunde, sister Claudia (Gerald) Finseth, brother Bruce Werre, brother-in-law Steve (Kim) Englund and brother-in-law Tom Englund. Grandchildren; Kate Lunde, Alex & Evan Wright, Kyra Lunde, Kaitlyn (Anthony) DiJohn, Jenna & Simon Emanuel, bonus grandkids Fitz, Mazie & Zeke Miller and bonus great-granddaughters Gianna & Mia DiJohn along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many beloved friends who are more like family as well as his faithful furry companion and buddy, Piper. He was proceeded in death by his Mother (Helen), Father (Joe) and sister (Carla).

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road SW, Rochester, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Memorials can be directed to Paws & Claws, Rochester, MN or to the family to be utilized for a memorial space for the family.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Werre family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.