Rev. Gerald K Melby

Reverend Gerald K. Melby, 90, of St. Charles, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Funeral services celebrating his life will be 11:00 AM, Friday, January 5, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Church, 648 E 5^th St, St. Charles. Military rites will be accorded. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, St. Charles. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Gerald K. Melby Memorial Fund. The Hoff Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com and or www.hofffuneral.com

Gerald or “Jerry” as many called him, was born on February 21, 1933 in Glenwood, Minnesota, son of Gustav and Thelma (Tweit) Melby. Jerry graduated from Glenwood High School and served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Rochefort, France. It was there where he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara L. Jermstad. After being honorably discharged from the military, he came home and took over the family farm in Glenwood. As a young man Jerry always wanted to be a minister and go to the seminary. In 1968 with four young children, they made the dream come true. Moving to the Twin Cities, he attended Augsburg and Luther Seminary where he received his Masters in Theology. After Jerry was ordained at his home parish, Barsness Lutheran Church, Glenwood, Minnesota, he served many congregations in Minnesota and Iowa. With his farming background and his ministry background, he was a true steward of the land and faith life. After retiring they moved to St. Charles, Minnesota, to Five Star Ranch. Jerry enjoyed the simple things in life, traveling to see his family and his grandchildren in their school events. He was proud of all his grandchildren as they grew into adults and started their own families and life ambitions. He enjoyed going to cattle shows and meeting many people throughout the mid-west. He was an avid Twins and Vikings fan.

Jerry is survived by his four children, Melva (Jerry) Krehmeyer, Nola (Gary) Dunn, Geri Lynn (Scott) Seinola and Matt (Laura) Melby; grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Adler, Jacob (Dr. Christina) Dunn, Julie (Rees) Anderson, Barbie Collins, David Dunn, Benjamin (Rebekah) Seinola, Courtney (Bill) Entringer, Jared (Hannah) Seinola, Christian (Colleen Maher) Melby and Cade Melby; great-grandchildren, Ellisyn, Kailyn, Avory, Anfin, Preston, Emmett, Rachel, Boston, Baya, Charlee, Kiki,Teagan, Taela, June, Willa, and Jacob, sister-in-law, Linda Jermstad and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb on March 7, 2023, his parents, brothers, Howard, and Pete, sisters, Clarice, Doris, Gloria and Melva in infancy.

The Family would like to give a THANK You to Whitewater Health Services and Seasons Hospice for the care given to our dad.