Jerome “Jerry” C. Rechtzigel

Obituary

Jerome “Jerry” Clarence Rechtzigel was born on July 11, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the son of Leonard and Ella (Kirchner) Rechtzigel. Jerry was baptized as an infant on August 1, 1943, by Pastor O.H. Dorn and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 14, 1957, by C. H. Friedrich, in Rich Valley, Minnesota. Jerry grew up in Rosemount, Minnesota, he received his education in Rosemount, and graduated with the Rosemount High School class of 1961.

Jerry entered military service on November 2, 1962, and served with the United States Army as a PVT E-2 until he received an Honorable Discharge on May 1, 1963. For many years Jerry, served with the Glencoe Military Honor Guard.

On October 10, 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Karen Berry by Pastor Gerhardt Bluhm at Concordia Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with three children: Phil, Beth, and Matt. The family made their home on the Rechtzigel Family Farm just north of Plato, Minnesota, for over 25 years. Jerry and Karen moved to Glencoe in the Spring of 1999 and shared over 61 years of marriage.

Jerry had a strong work ethic and was a lifelong farmer who worked on his family farm with his mother and siblings from a very young age. He initially worked as a Welder in Green Isle, MN, then worked as a Feed Salesman for MoorMan’s for over 25 years, and as a Car Salesman at Al’s Auto Sales in Glencoe, MN until retirement. After Jerry retired, he helped his granddaughter Kayla and her husband Andy on their farm south of Glencoe. Jerry was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe for many years and read Portals of Prayer daily.

Jerry enjoyed bowling; he had a talent for it as he made it to Nationals with his league many years in a row. He enjoyed time outdoors, whether he was golfing, fishing, or hunting, and gave back to others by donating blood regularly. Family was so important to Jerry, and he cherished the time he spent with them.

Jerry passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Cedar Crest Estates in Silver Lake, Minnesota, at the age of 82 years, 5 months, and 26 days. Blessed be his memory.

Jerry is survived by his
Wife, Karen Rechtzigel of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Phil Rechtzigel of Dodge Center, MN,
               Beth Alsleben and her special friend, Jamie Binder of Glencoe, MN,
               Matt Rechtzigel (Ann), of Hancock, MN;
Grandchildren, Courtney Holz (Adam), Katrina Linzmeyer (Ryan), Stefan Rechtzigel (Jade), Anna Rechtzigel (special friend, Brandon Scott), Kayla Cohrs (Andy), Stacia Alsleben-Schulz (Zack), Alex Baumann, Rowan Neese, Madison Rechtzigel, BoGarett Rechtzigel (Joie), Oliver Rechtzigel, and Lydia Rechtzigel;
Great-grandchildren, William Holz, Henry Holz, Hadley Linzmeyer, Maren Linzmeyer, Emerson Rechtzigel, Julia Cohrs, and her special friend, Andrew Adema, Christian Cohrs, Austin Cohrs, Emma Lemke, and Luna Schulz;
Brother, Paul Rechtzigel (Sharon) of Kenyon, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Donna Rechtzigel, Lois Rechtzigel, Jean Rechtzigel, Marilyn Peterson, JoAnn Lange, and Debbie McMahon (Bill);
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his Father,  Leonard Rechtzigel, and Mother, Ella Rechtzigel; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Lloyd and Elizabeth Berry; Siblings, Marvin Rechtzigel, Leonard Rechtzigel, Art Rechtzigel (Delores), Doris Buberl (Arnold), Shirley Molkenbur (Kermit), Jim Rechtzigel, Glen Rechtzigel, and Robert Rechtzigel; Brothers-in-law, Ernie Lange, and Pete Peterson; Son-in-law, Clark Alsleben; Grandson, Brent Alsleben.