Obituary of Harold Gerry

Harold “China” Gerry

1930 - 2023

Harold “China” James Gerry Jr, age 92, of Cottage Grove, MN formerly St. Paul Park,MN Passed away peacefully at Regina Hospital surrounded by his children, on February 1, 2023. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.  China was born on March 5, 1930 in White Bear Lake, MN, and then his family moved around and then settled in  St Paul Park where  he met the love of his life, Diana. They were married for 72 years before Diana’s passing on January 9, 2022.  China proudly worked at 3M Chemolite for 42 years. He owned and operated Gerry’s Fire Protection Service for 15 plus years, before selling it.  He was a member of the SPPK Fire Department for 31 years, which he served as chief for 8 of those years, Served as a constable for the SPPK Police Department ,served as a councilman representing SPPK, member of the  St. Paul Park  -Newport Lions Club,  With the help of Charlie Whitbred Jr, they started the first Little League baseball organization for St. Paul Park, he was also active with many other organizations, to many to name. 

China enjoyed yearly fishing trips to the Boundary Waters and Canada, ice fishing, hunting, golfing, camping, snowmobiling, and many other various  hobbies.  China enjoyed life and made an impact on all of those who knew him.  He was known by many, to be the “life of the party”! He will be greatly missed by all.

China is preceded in death by wife Diana, his parents, Harold and  Mildred Gerry, brothers  Bill Gerry, James Gerry  sisters; Eleanor, Jean, Donna, Carolyn, Sally and Cindy. Survived by children Scott (Renee) Gerry, Mark (Jane) Gerry, Kim (Scott) Bracey; grandchildren, Troy (Erika) Gerry, Tyson (Brooke) Gerry, Anna (Jay)  Bauer, Jenna (Nicky Leach), Cameron, Connor and Madison Bracey; great grandchildren; Mason, Wyatt, Grace, Axton, Lenox and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on June 10^th starting at 3:00  pm at the American Legion in St. Paul Park. A private memorial will be held for immediate family before the Celebration of Life, at Newport Church/Cemetery.