Jerome "Jerry" Coyle

Jerome B. Coyle, 74, Dilworth, MN, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2003, at Innovis Health, Fargo, ND. Jerry fought an 18-year battle with leukemia. Less than a year ago he was also diagnosed with merkel cell cancer. Jerry had decided to aid cancer research by donating his body to the School of Medicine and Health at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND. Jerry was born May 28, 1928, in Ogema, MN, to Sylvester and Rose Coyle, the youngest of four children. He is survived by all of them: James (Marie) in St. Paul, MN, Tom (Barbara) in Dayton, OH, and Marcella in Detroit Lakes, MN. Jerry was a graduate of the Class of ?47 from Detroit Lakes High School. Thereafter he enlisted in the Air Force for three years, serving in Germany for about one year with the 39th Bomber Squadron. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargeant, and was awarded a Good Conduct medal. After his discharge, Jerry met and later married Eileen M. Swedberg on May 8, 1953, at the Holy Rosary Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. The newlyweds moved to Wichita, KS, where Jerry worked for Boeing Aircraft for about the next year. They also added their first addition to the family while there, Michael (Laura, both now of Superior, WI). The young family moved to Duluth, MN, where Jerry worked for the Civil Service Department of the Air Force for the next 28 years. They also enjoyed two more additions to the family, Allan (Michelle, both now of Pelican Rapids, MN), and Kevin (Barb, both now of Dilworth, MN). During this time Jerry acquired the nickname and handle, ?Fast Eddy,? during the popularization of the citizens band radio (CB). Fast Eddy?s passions included contract bridge, gardening, fishing - especially ice fishing and derbys - and hunting. Fast Eddy?s approach to life was a hearty thumbs up. Fast Eddy and Eileen also enjoyed extensive traveling and their six grandchildren (Angela, Lee, Dustin, Savannah, Spencer, and Reese) during their retirement years. A memorial service is being held at St. Elizabeth Church in Dilworth on Saturday, March 29, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.