Jerold “Jerry” W. Wright

Obituary

Jerold Woodrow Wright, known to all as simply Jerry-of Hutchinson, MN, passed away peacefully the afternoon of Sunday, June 2, 2024, at his home following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer not even two months prior. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend to many.

Jerry was born at home on a farm in Preston Lake Township, on January 6, 1944. He would be the second oldest of five children. Jerry attended two different country one-room schools, one near Corvuso, MN, and the second, District #40 in rural Hutchinson. He loved talking about these country schools and would begin his recount of memories with ‘back in the old country’. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1962. While still in high school, Jerry joined the National Guard. After graduation, he attended basic training in Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Towards the end of his active duty stint, he was chosen as the single representative of his company for additional leadership training.

Jerry took the meaning to the phrase ‘good work ethic’ to a whole new level. His punctuality, integrity, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond was evident in any job he had. It was an honor for him to complete a task well and to the liking of whomever commissioned the work. He worked at a number of different jobs in his youth which included serving as a hired farm-hand for two neighbors, hauling peas and corn for Green Giant, and as a semi-driver plying the roads between Duluth and the Dakotas. Eventually, he joined his father in partnership of the dairy herd in Hassan Valley, while slowly building his own herd of cows.

Jerry married Shirley Olson on July 1, 1967. Their marriage was blessed by one son, Paul, and one daughter, Trudy. Not long after his marriage, his father-in-law presented Jerry and Shirley the opportunity to buy the Olson farm. Jerry grabbed the chance to be his own landowner and transported his Holstein herd and what machinery he owned to the Olson farm. That farm, now run by Jerry’s son Paul and his wife Heather, is still in Wright hands.

As the years ticked by, Jerry transitioned from the dairy business to make room for Paul to take the wheel of the farm after graduating college. Always a lover of seeing what is beyond the next bend, he supplemented his income by buying his own Freightliner tractor-trailer semi and took to the open roads once again. His hauling assignments eventually led him to experiencing the varieties of life and scenery as he hauled to destinations such as California, New York, Texas, Florida. He never lost his love of farming and assisted his son with field work and fixing with his gift of mechanical ability—almost until his death. For a farmer, nothing quite beats the smell of freshly-plowed field or newly mown hay, a bit of grease under one’s fingernails, and the eternal optimism that next year’s crop will be even better.

On March 7, 2012, Jerry married Sandy Froemming and the two resided at her farm in rural Hutchinson, Acoma Township. And it was about this time when Jerry—with Sandy seated behind him—began the first of many long motorcycle rides, first on his tricked-out Honda Goldwing and later his three-wheeled Spyder. It was also at this time that he got to work more on his other love- totally restoring “old iron” tractors. He has fully restored over 15 antique tractors which included Fords, Allis-Chalmers, and Farmall. When he was finished with them, they looked like they had just rolled off the assembly line. Jerry had been involved with the Heatwole Threashing Show for 43 years. One of his last projects was working on Oliver plow. He got the plow finished, ‘so the boys can take it to Heatwole’. Over all of Jerry’s accomplishments and successes, he maintained a humble spirit. He was never boastful of his talents but would light up over an achievement of others, especially those near and dear to his heart.

Jerry’s other hobbies included reading just about anything he could get his hands on regarding farming, tractors, or the military. He also thoroughly enjoyed any sort of war documentary especially WWI and WWII. He also loved eating anything chocolate, listening to old time music, watching the occasional NASCAR race, playing “500”, and ‘shooting the breeze’ with anyone who had time to talk.

Being a very present Grandpa to his 6 grandchildren was a role he treasured. He got to spend so much time with each of them on the farm, teaching them valuable lessons in life and farming. He loved hearing the kids talk about what was going on in their lives and would stop what he was doing to just listen and let them feel how important each of them was to him.

Jerry’s loving nature and friendly smile stemmed from his love for Jesus. Faith was number one in his life and he let that light and love shine. He had a special love for old hymns and had a beautiful singing voice. One could hear him taking part in church choir, men’s quartets, or an occasional solo. Hearing him sing ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ was truly a treasure. The hope and promise of heaven give the family blessed assurance that he is with our creator and was truly greeted by our Lord with, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Carol Wright; and sisters, Joyce Hicks of San Angelo, TX, and Kathryn Clausen of La Crescent, MN; and a brother in infancy.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sandy; children: Paul Wright and his wife, Heather, and Trudy Wright—all of rural Hutchinson. He is further survived by grandchildren: Cullin and Kiley Lickfelt, Cody, Breanna, Allison, and McKenna Wright; brothers, Ken of Caledonia, MN, and Lee of Dassel, MN. Jerry will be sadly and sorely missed by all who knew him. The world was truly a better place for having him here.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry asked donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson.

A private celebration of Jerry's life will be held at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery, Hutchinson.