Service Information
Dr. Gerald Arthur Close, age 89, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at his home in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 20, 2021, 11:30 A.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota, with interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Brownton, Minnesota.
Gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, November 20, 2021, 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M., 2 hours prior to the service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gideons International. https://www.gideons.org/donate.
Obituary
Gerald Arthur Close was born on January 20, 1932, in a rural farm house near Cando, North Dakota, to Gerald Owen and Viola Anna (Arthur) Close.
Gerald attended rural Metcalf Grade School and graduated from Cando High School in 1949. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, in 1953. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, in 1957. He also attended Scarritt College in Nashville, Tennessee, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in preparation for medical mission work in Africa. He received his medical internship and General Surgery Residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was Board Certified in Family Practice and a member of the Christian Medical and Dental Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
On June 20, 1954, he married Miriam Ruth Deyo and together they served as medical missionaries in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Africa, with the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church. They served there for 10 years and returned to the USA in 1970, and settled in Glencoe, Minnesota. Dr. Close joined the Glencoe Medical Clinic and practiced there for 24 years.
Upon retirement, Gerald became active in Gideons Intl., McLeod Emergency Food Shelf, Crow River Habitat for Humanity, McLeod County Red Cross, Glencoe Performing Artists Series, and McLeod Care Assistance, Inc. He was also active in First Congregational Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church by teaching Sunday School and serving on various committees.
On October 2, 1982, Gerald married Ruth Elenor (Lietz) Seiler and they continued to live in Glencoe. Together they traveled to four different continents for further medical training and medical mission trips where they worked in makeshift clinics set up in schools and churches. Together they shared medical knowledge and Christ’s love with the indigenous people who had never seen a doctor or nurse before.
Gerald enjoyed traveling and observing the various cultures of the world’s population. With Ruth and then later with his youngest son, Dan, Gerald traveled to all the continents except Antarctica and over 70 countries or territories.
Gerald is survived by his,
Daughter, Beverly (Charles) Mauney of Plano, TX;
Sons, Stephen (Dana) of Prior Lake, MN,
Randall Close of Los Angeles, CA,
Douglas (Debra) Close of Grand Junction, CO,
Daniel Close of Bartlesville, OK;
Step-daughter, Marnie Lietz of Apple Valley, MN;
Step-son, Brian Seiler of Lakeville, MN;
Grandchildren, Jordan Close, Allison Graham, Andrew Mauney, Denise Bullock, Anthony Close, Mackenzie Close, Weston Close;
Step-grandchildren, Melissa Cole, Michael Seiler, Miranda Seiler;
7 Great-grandchildren;
Sister-in-law, Mildred Close;
Niece, Tendai Phiri;
Nephew, Clifford Duane Close.
Gerald is preceded in death by his Parents, Gerald and Viola Close; Brother, Clifford Close; Wife, Ruth Close and Ruth’s parents.
John hassinger says
What a wonderful man. He always was first in line to give a helping hand. So lucky to get to know him
John hassinger
Jane Wolfe says
He was an important addition to our family, a great brother-in-law, and a great father to Brian and Marnie. He was so supportive of my sister, Ruth, and before that to both of my parents. He helped me with therapy when I fractured my ankle and laughed with us at the Iowa State fair 3 years ago. I will miss his participation in the Lietz family.
Betsy Strong says
Uncle Jerry was a solid rock in the Lietz family. His steadfast faith and life of service was an amazing witness to all who he came in contact with.
Rick Lietz says
Gerry is a wonderful man, with a big heart and humble soul. I respect and admire him so much. One of God’s finest creations!
Gwen N Marion says
What a remarkable man and a meaningful life.
Mike McNeil says
Dr Close was the best, a more kind man you will not find. He worked with and was friends with my Dad for many years and helped look after him in the last few years of his life, making sure he got to the coffee group and to Bible Study. I will forever be grateful for that kindness and am glad I was able to tell him how grateful I was. He delivered my daughter Angela and I always liked to remind him of how old she was getting. My deepest sympathies Bev. Rest in Peace good and faithful servant.
Jennifer L Schmidt says
Marnie~
What a career. WOW! My sympathies to you and the family.
Butch and Luanne Kroeger says
Butch and Luanne Kroeger. I Was an RN at Glencoe Hosp. and so enjoyed working with Dr.Close for many yrs. He was professional and so kind to his patients. We admired him as a fine Christian witness and friend. Our thoughts and prayers to his family!
John Bergseng says
Jerry was one of the most kind and compassionate physicians I have ever known. He always gave his best in the care of his patients. He was a joy to work with. Cherished by both his patients and staff who worked alongside him. Active in his church and community alike. Loved his family along with his Lord. A wonderful friend! He will be greatly missed!
Bev Fritz-Hults says
My sympathy goes out to the family of Dr Close. I was privileged to know Dr Close and work with him as an RN at Glencoe Hospital as well as being a patient of his. He was a wonderful man and physician. He was so kind, level headed and treated everyone with respect and dignity. He had a career that was so admirable in Glencoe as well as his work as a medical missionary. May he Rest In Peace.
Kathryn Gates says
My sympathies to Dr. Close’s family..he was my doctor & delivered my first 3 children. We so admired him we asked him to be our second son’s godfather. He also took care of my father just before he passed away. Such a kind, caring gentle man. I feel very humbled to have had him as a physician & friend. May God hold his family in His hands and give them peace. Rest in Peace sir.