Gerald Caulfield

Gerald’s Mass will be viewable on this page shortly before it starts.

The old soldier celebrated one last Veteran’s Day, then went on to his final tour of duty on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Gerald A. Caulfield, 103, of Fargo, ND spent his final days surrounded by family, while under the respectful care of the Fargo Veterans Administration Medical Center and their Community Living Center.

Gerald (Jerry, as his friends called him) was born to Peter A. Caulfield and Mae V. Clemons on February 4, 1920, in Bemidji, MN, the second of three children. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in January 1942, serving during World War II in the South Pacific with the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, going from island-to-island servicing aircraft. Discharged in April 1946, he re-enlisted in the US Army months later and continued to serve until the end of 1971, a total of 30 years.

While stationed in Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, Jerry met a member of the US Army Women’s Army Corp, Frances M. Yochem. After a short courtship, they were married in the base chapel on October 4, 1946. Shortly after their first child was born (Jerry P), he was transferred to Yokohama, Japan during the Korean Conflict. Fran and young Jerry were able to join him towards the end of his tour in Japan, where his daughter Patricia (Pat) was born. Another transfer, took the family to Camp Riley, KS, then to Fort Benning, GA (now Fort Moore), where their second son, Matthew was born. Jerry was then stationed in Germany near Munich. Two more sons were born there, David and Steve. The family made their final move to Fargo, ND where Jerry worked at the US Army Recruiting Station. Leaving the family in Fargo, he had a tour of duty in Vietnam and then finished his Army career in Bismarck, ND. After a short stint as a security guard at North Dakota State University, Jerry spent 14 years at the Fargo VA Medical Center, retiring in early 1986.

A member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church over 60 years, Jerry spent many of those years as an usher until his early 90’s. He also participated in countless fund drives and other projects as needed. Growing up in Bemidji, Jerry always enjoyed the lakes and loved fishing, an activity he was able to pursue more after retirement. He spent the last years of his life at Touchmark at Harwood Groves after the passing of his wife of nearly 65 years. Many friendships were made at Touchmark especially at his favorite activity of Bingo.

Jerry is survived by his children: Jerry, of Fargo; Pat (Leonard) Kotta, of Fargo, David (Jayne Ochs) of Hugo, MN, and Steve (Lisa) of Woodbury, MN; by his grandchildren: Jonathan and Janelle Kotta; Caitlin, Michael, Kenneth and Cara Caulfield; Nicole and Ashley Deyo; Dallas, Joseph, Logan (Hannah) and Andrew Caulfield and several great grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, and his son, Matthew.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Fargo VA Medical Center, especially the staff of the Community Living Center and the Palliative Care team.

Visitation: 6:00 PM, Wednesday, December 13 at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, followed by the Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be one hour before the Funeral Service at the Church.

Mass of Christian Burial: 2:00 PM, Thursday, December 14 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo.

Interment with Military Honors: Holy Cross Cemetery North, Fargo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the many groups that service our veterans.