Gerald Dow

Gerald V. Dow, 67, joined his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at Sanford Health, after a determined battle with cancer. He was born to Vernon and Mildred (Erickson) Dow in Barnesville, MN, on February 14, 1943, and grew up on the family farm outside Barnesville, graduating from Barnesville High School in 1961. Jerry attended school at Moorhead State University and served his country in Vietnam. He married Susan M. Slinde on July 5, 1969. Jerry took great pride in his work as a Right-Away Engineer with Qwest Communications. After 29-years of service, he ‘retired’ into roles with McLeod, Delcom, The City of Barnesville and finally into his dream ‘retirement’ job in commercial real estate. As a member of the Qwest Pioneers, he served as Pioneers ND Chapter President in 2009-2010. He was currently serving as the President of North Dakota Telecom Pioneers and as a Board Member for Dakota Telco Federal Credit Union. Jerry lived his life in faith and in active service to his church and community. He was happiest when he was working on a deal; helping someone with a project; or, spending the day at the lake cabin on Little Pelican. He loved a good laugh and was known for his playful teasing and practical jokes. He is remembered by many for his love of hockey and contributions to Fargo-area youth hockey as one of the founders of the Fargo Flames youth hockey program. Jerry is survived by his wife, Susan; his two children, Jayne (Curtis Larkin) Dow and their daughter, Gillian, of Chicago; Ben (Stacy) Dow and their children, Cassidy and Cody, of Fargo; his mother, Mildred Dow, of Moorhead; his sister, Beverly (Irv) Aal of St. Michael, MN, and brother, Charles (Laura) Dow, of Sacramento, CA; his nieces and nephews; and, many life-long friends. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jacqueline Daria; and, his father, Vernon E. Dow. The family would like to thank the men and women of Sanford Health and Mayo Clinic who gave Jerry their best care and compassion during a very difficult journey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salvation Army in Jerry’s name. Visitation: Visitation is on Friday from 5-7pm with a prayer service to follow at 7pm, in Hanson-Runsvold, Fargo. Funeral services: Saturday at 10am in First Lutheran Church, Fargo. Burial: Barnesville City Cemetery, Barnesville, MN