Gerald "Jerry" Enders

Jerry went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 20th, 2015 on his 79th birthday. He died surrounded by his loving family at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo, ND. Jerry was born in Milwaukee, WI to Alfred and Exilda Enders (Bowe). He lived and went to school in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Oconto High School. Jerry joined the Air Force in '56 along with his cousin Merlin (Sandy) Bowe of Fond du Lac, WI and was stationed in Iowa. He was honorably discharged in '58, and returned home to the farm. After living at home helping out his family with their farm and working with other farmers for a few years, Jerry met his wife Delores (Dee) of 52 years at the Gillett fair in '62. They were married on September 29, 1962 in Peshtigo, WI at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. They started their family and resided in Oconto, WI. Where there first daughter (Pennie) was born. They later moved to California where their second child, a son (Joe) was born. They returned to Oconto, WI where their third child, a daughter (Dotti) was born. They lived in various towns in WI. Jerry worked hard all his life. His jobs ranged from farming, milk testing, t.v. repair man, boat making, and over the road trucking. He retired as a long haul truck driver in '02, and moved with his wife to Fargo, ND. Where he lived until the end of his journey. Jerry enjoyed many activities in his life. In his early years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Later on in his life he was drawn to woodworking and crafting. He loved NASCAR with Dale Earnhardt, Sr. being his favorite driver, along with watching college football and baseball, both pro and the local Red Hawks. All these activities were always a pleasure to share with his family and friends. Jerry served in different positions at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lena, WI. Although he was asked many times to volunteer at the Fargo Air Museum, he preferred to just enjoy educating his grandsons on all types of aircrafts. Jerry enjoyed many activities with his children, which included playing indoor/outdoor games (except for Monopoly), enjoying skits that they would put on for him and their mom, and being his daughters' life-size barbie doll (which included full make up, jewelry, hair and nails). He was always a great sport and encouraged his children to succeed in life. Jerry is survived by his wife Delores, daughter Pennie Johnson, son Joe Enders and daughter Dotti (Roger) Taylor all from Fargo, ND. His six grandsons, Pennie's sons Kenneth (Ken) Meadke, Brandon and Shane Johnson of Green Bay WI and Johnathan Johnson of Fargo, ND. Dotti's sons Brandy Lee and Austin Woodrow of Fargo, ND. He is also surved by his 5 sisters and 1 brother, respectively Donna (Mel) Hier of CA, Karen (Dave) Cain, Ellen Baldwin, Kathleen/Kats (Jim) Van Hecke, Marlene Devner all from WI, David (Nancy) Enders of MD, 14 nieces and nephews many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brother-in-laws (Bill Baldwin and Roger Devner) of WI, and many other family members. Memorial service will be Thursday, April 23, 2015. Visitation will be 6:30 -7:30 followed by a prayer service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Fargo Air Museum are preferred. The family extends a special thank you to all of the staff at Villa Maria Nursing Home, Hospice of the Red River Valley and the Fargo VA staff.