Jerry "Jake" Edwards

Gerald “Jake” “Jerry” Dean Edwards, age 66, died on April 29^th, 2019 at his home in Grand Forks, N.D. surrounded by family.

Jake was born in Rolla, N.D. on October 11^th, 1952, to LeRoy and Evelyn (Mayfield) Edwards. After graduating high school in 1970, he attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., where he received an associate in Applied Science degree in Electronic Technology. He married Sheila Schwartzenberger on September 18^th, 1982, in Napoleon N.D. and welcomed two sons and one daughter to the family. One son in 1985, one son in 1990, and a daughter in 1994.

Jake worked as an electrician’s helper in Belcourt, N.D., in 1971-1972. After graduating from Wahpeton, he worked as a satellite navigator on a ship in the Gulf of Mexico exploring for oil, for Western Geophysical Corp in 1973-74.  In 1975, he joined IBEW Local 1426 and worked for various electrical contractors for the next eight years.  In 1983-84, he helped build the coal gasification plant outside Beulah, N.D. In 1984-85, he worked in Plymouth, Minn., building a 450 unit apartment complex. In July 1985, he joined Minnkota Power Cooperative where he worked in the substation and telecommunication departments for the next 29 plus years. He enjoyed hunting/shooting, his little garden, UND hockey and mostly being around his family.

Jake is survived by his wife, Sheila; son, Cory T. Edwards (Katie Perreault); granddaughter, Leah K. Edwards, son, Evan J. Edwards (Terra Thiel); grandson, Nolan D. Edwards; daughter, Traci A. Edwards; brothers Raymond (Butch) (Audrey) of St. John, N.D., Lee (Kathi) of Panama City, Fla., Robert (Val) of Rolla; mother-in-law, Leona Schwartzenberger; in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jake was preceded in death by all of his grandparents; parents, LeRoy and Evelyn Edwards; and infant sister, Maryann Edwards.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 216 Belmont Road, Grand Forks. Visitation will be  at Amundson Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.  on Thursday, May 2, 2019. Visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the start of the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment following the services at Calvary South Cemetery, Grand Forks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or other charity of your choice.