Mavis Jerger

With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved Mavis Eleanore Jerger was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior on Monday, December 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in her home, where she lived for over 60 years. 

Born on April 30, 1935, in Fargo, ND, Mavis was the cherished daughter of Rose and Kenneth Peake. She grew up in a lively household with her siblings: Kermit, Shirley, Bonnie, Barb, Bev, her twin sister Marna, Katherine, and Audrey, and an angel baby, Lavern.

Mavis graduated from Fargo Central, soon after she met the love of her life, Walter Jerger at the Wolverton Skating Rink. Soon after, they eloped and promised each other forever on July 14th, 1952. Together, they worked with the Jerger family dairy farm, and started their large family of Rose, Ronnie, Alan, Susie, Nettie, Sandy, Jon, Sharri, Jackie, Jay and Gene.

As the kids grew, Mavis enjoyed waitressing (and socializing) at the Galaxie Supper Club, where she worked for greater than 30 years. She loved taking in and caring for endless litters of kittens and spending her time finishing book after book of word searches, and sitting in her recliner keeping her eye on the gravel road traffic, while also bird watching.  She also enjoyed her trips "south" with Jon, especially when she was winning.  Mavis worked hard in her gardens and canning its rewards.  She and Walt sat at the kitchen table together to play Zilch.  She was a member of St. James United Church of Christ and enjoyed times quilting with the Guild.  

Walt and Mavis celebrated 63 years before Walt passed away in 2015.

Mavis’ home was always open, and many of our fondest memories were created around her kitchen table, filled with laughter, never-ending delicious food, and her trademark humor (and honesty). Her kind spirit and infectious laughter will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by all who knew her.

Life had its hardships, but it was a good life; and it made for a lifetime of memories and close family. 

She is survived by her children: Ron (Deb) Jerger, Susie (Ron) Jordan, Sandy (Ron) Desmarais, Jon (Roxanne) Jerger, Sharri (Todd) Drussell, Jackie (Brian) Nelson; and Gene (Vicky) Thompson, daughter-in-law Nancy Jerger, 32 grandchildren: Jason Jerger, Lora Rodacker, Jesse (April) Jerger, Jill (Trevor) Moen, Jay Jerger, Jamie (Cole) Nordick, Lisa (Dusty) Nordick, Brandee (Jeff) Rothmeyer, Cole Barta, Brett (Megan) Barta, Reese Schritz, Rory Schritz, Melissa (Landon) Behrens, Zack (Sarah) Stetz, Lucas (Morgan) Stetz, Sam Stetz, Jonathan Jerger, Sarah (Tyler) Behrens, Ben (Thao) Drussell, Tanner Thompson, Hailey Thompson, Danielle (JayD) Hewson, Alisha (Dan) MacDonald, Michaela (Seth) Dye, Shad Korbel, Andrea (Jeff) Fuchs, Gena Korbel and 33 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren, sister in law Glennis Jerger.  She is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and in-laws. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Walt, daughter Annette Jerger, sons Al Jerger and Jay Thompson, daughter and son in law Rose and Royce Rodacker, father and mother Kenneth and Rose Peake; son-in-law Dan Stetz, siblings: Kermit, Shirley, Bonnie, Barb, Beverly, twin sister Marna, and Audrey. 

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 29, 2024 at St. James United Church of Christ in Barnesville, MN with Rev. John Werner officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Cemetery, rural Downer, MN. 

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.