Jerald Blake

Jerald D. Blake, 93, Moorhead, passed away June 5, 2011 at the Veteran's Hospital, Fargo.

Jerald "Jerry" Darwin Blake was born on October 22, 1917 in Underwood, ND to J.D.  and Maude (Hazard) Blake.  Jerald grew up in Underwood graduating from high school there.  After graduating from high school he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Idaho until enrolling in Minot State Teacher's College.  He graduated from there with a bachelor's degree in Education in 1947.  He served in the Army in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II from 1942-1945 where his tour of duty included the Northern Solomon Islands, Southern Philippines, and Guadalcanal.  He was a decorated veteran.  Later in life he was proud to be able to travel on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

He served as coach, principal and teacher in various schools including Dunseith, Ashley and Underwood, ND.  He continued his education in the graduate program at UND.  He worked for the construction company that built the Garrison Dam.  In 1955 the family moved to Minot where he began working at First National Bank of Minot as an office manager.  He was a business manager for a number of different companies.  They came to Fargo in 1965 and have lived here ever since.  He owned or managed a number of different businesses. 

Jerald married Venus Jeffery in 1947 at the Presbyterian Church in Minot.  His life was dedicated to his family.  His first priority was being involved in his children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives.  He was a sports enthusiast enjoying attending NDSU football and basketball along with organizing and playing pool at the senior center. Venus passed away October 2010.   He participated fully in life until the end of his life.

Jerald is survived by his children, Jeffery (Kaye) Blake, Moorhead, MN, Lesley (Tim) Sierad, Colebrook, NH, Roger (Debbie) Blake, Burlingame, CA, Stephen (Carol) Blake, Boulder, CO; sister-in-law, Frances Jeffery, Minot, ND; grandchildren, Jeremy (Meagan), Andrea (Gordon), Courtney (Jana), Sandon, Leslie (Carli), Theodore, Rachel; great-grandchildren, Micah and LayLynn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Venus, sister, Ava; brothers, Donovon and Leslie; sisters-in-law, Doris (Dale) Liming and Elaine Blake.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.