Gerald Haley

Gerald  “Jerry”  Haley, 87, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 4000 Valley Square – Woodside Village.

Gerald Eugene Haley, the son of Leo Lavern Haley and Lauretta Ruth (Kerber) Haley was born July 27, 1931 in New Rockford, ND.  He attended elementary school at Rugby, North Dakota, and graduated from St. James High School in Grand Forks.   He was in the Army National Guard and spent two years active duty during the Korean War.  Jerry attended UND and went on to sell insurance for JB Bridston Company. He  married the love of his life, Norma Claire Weisser on June 9,  1953. They recently celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.

In 1956 he received his real estate license and went on to establish Haley Realty. During his career as a realtor he was very active in the community and was President of the ND Board of Realtors in 1973. In semi-retirement he went on to become a Partner in First Realty.

Jerry was a founding member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks and was currently a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. 

He was a Past President of Jaycees in Grand Forks. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club, and a devoted UND Fighting Sioux fan and never missed attending or watching a hockey game.  He loved crossword puzzles and there wasn’t a puzzle he didn’t finish.

In 1971 Jerry and Norma purchased a lake cabin on Lake Bemidji and spent over 45 years enjoying family and friends at the lake.  Jerry was a  hunter and lifelong gun collector. He spent many years hunting with his best friends, family, and his faithful dog Butch.  He was an avid reader and was passionate in his reading and talking about World War II.

Jerry’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He also spent many hours with his morning coffee klatch slinging bull, for which he received the klatch’s highest honor.

In 2011 Jerry was diagnosed with lung cancer and had been struggling with health issues ever since, but never lost his sense of humor.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Norma of Grand Forks;  seven children: Deborah (Todd) Thorstad of Kindred, ND; Jay (Deb) Haley of Grand Forks; Laurie Haley of Grand Forks; Kathy (Bob) Okerman of Claremont, CA; Kris (Brad Cobb) Haley of Glendale, CA ; Steve (Betty) Haley of St. Paul, MN; Mark (Bonnie) Haley of Grand Forks; sixteen grandchildren: David (Christy) and Andrew Kostka, Kelly (Alan) Dewald; Michael (Amber) Haley, Angela (JC) Haley Strang, John (Leandra) Haley; Katelyn Swygman (fiancé Nick Augustin); Tom, Luke and Jake Okerman; Annika, Grace and Sophia Haley; Dylan (fiancé Gianna O’Leary), Marcus and Tony Haley; seven great grandchildren: Bret, Nick and Zack Kostka; and Liam Haley, Jaxon Dewald, Vegas Dewald, and Karlee Kostka.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Lauretta Haley, brother Martin,  and  sister Arden.

The family would like to especially thank the staff of Valley 4000 for their exceptional care and kindness.

Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 in the Havig Heen Auditorium-Chapel, 4000 Valley Square, Grand Forks.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service.