Gerald "Jerry" Garvey

Gerald ?Jerry? Garvey, (76) died Jan 7, 2003. He was a native son of Fargo, born August 29, 1926 to parents T. Ray & Geraldine Garvey. Jerry loved Fargo, where he and Dorothy (spouse) celebrated life and enjoyed many, many great friendships. His greatest joys consisted of life with Dorothy, the family, playing pool, golf and cards with good friends. Three weeks ago he won the Singles Pool Tournament at the Fargo Seniors. He was a self-educated man, blessed with strong character and a tremendous sense of humor. He attended high school at the former Sacred Heart Academy, N. Fargo. Jerry was a strong competitor and in 1945 reined as the ND Golden Gloves, Light Heavy Weight boxing champion. During WW II, he proudly served overseas in the Merchant Marines and the local Navy reserves. Jerry Garvey and beloved Dorothy L. Muller were married November 6, 1947 where they met in Staten Island NY. After the military they made their home in Fargo where Jerry worked in the family business, Fargo Police and then a career in crisis assistance. For 35 years he served as Casualty Adjustor/ Manager with the Anchor Casualty; later named the Great American Insurance Company. Jerry retired from Great American in 1989. In his life of service the family transferred three times: 1962 - Omaha, NE, 1966 - Bismarck ND, and in 1975 back home to Fargo. Jerry helped thousands of people recover from personal tragedy. He generated casualty care to local and multiple national crisis areas in most of the 50 states. He was pro-active at Hurricane Hugo (Florida and the Carolina?s) to the San Francisco Bay Area Earthquake to name just few areas impacted by his selfless care. He loved to help an encourage people When retirement made him quit working he volunteered another 10-years assisting patients and visitors at the Dakota Clinic until poor health made it impossible for him to continue. Jerry was an active citizen and a great friend of the Fargo and the Franklin Lake MN community where he and Dorothy enjoyed their summers. In Fargo he actively participated in the worship life of St John Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church by the lake. They frequented the Fargo Senior?s Club, Main Street and at the lakes they attended the Pelican Rapids Seniors where he was known for his great humor. He studied Art and painted and his pictures were honored in the homes of his family, friends and former service centers where he worked. Both he and Dorothy modeled senior citizen clothing in Fargo and were frequently seen on TV and in magazines. Jerry was proud that on a couple of occasions he was able to go down the ramp with Miss ND. Jerry?s greatest joy was wife Dorothy, he loved her so. They shared in a great life of service to others, and remained close to their children and grandchildren. Their three inspired children wanted to be just like him and carry on the torch serving as a Lutheran Minister, a Nurse, and a Cass County Deputy Sheriff. Dad will be sorely missed in our family; he was one of a kind. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy of 55 years, and their three children and their families. AF Chaplain Gary & Dianne - Washington DC (Zachary, Luke, and Benjamin); Carol & Craig Carlson ? Stuttgart GE (David and Cary); Richard ?Dick? & Nancy Garvey ? Fargo (Jamie, Katie and Roberta). Additionally, his two sisters and there families Donna & Jerry Elledge ? Barnsville, MN and Patricia Garvey ? Mesa AZ FUNERAL: 2 PM Friday, January 10, 2003, at St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo. VISITATION: 5 ? 7 PM Thursday at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo ? and one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Friday. PRAYER SERVICE: 5:30 Thursday at Boulger Funeral Home. BURIAL: Holy Cross Cemetery, Fargo. (Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo)