Obituary of Gerald Linder

Gerald "Jerry-the-bread man" Linder, 79, of Duluth, passed away on May 17, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on Jan. 2, 1937, to John and Agnes (Hanson) Linder. He grew up in the West End, attending Lincoln Junior High School. Jerry worked for Taystee Bread from 1953-1998, and loved his route and all of the people he met along the way. He never missed work, making sure to get his product out, even during many of our terrible winter storms. He also had many part-time jobs including bartending in Mac's bar and the West Duluth Moose Club, and truck driver for Gamble Robinson Co. In his retirement, he did maintenance work for Kalligher Realty and janitorial work for the Boys & Girls Club of the Northland. He loved staying busy and being around people, especially those willing to listen to his jokes. He took pride in all he did. In his spare time, he loved to work with wood in his garage. Jerry called himself the "inferior contractor" and was always willing to take on any project. It was normal for him and Sylvia to get in the car, and just drive for the day. Of course, he would only drive a Dodge. He enjoyed traveling around the country and watching his Detroit Tigers. Last summer he was able to go see them play the Twins at Comerica Park, in Detroit. He kept in contact with co-workers from Taystee Bread, by meeting them for breakfast. He treasured all of the time he spent with his family. Jerry was a member of the West Duluth Moose for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Iris Larson; brother, Lloyd Linder; step-son, Peter Kalligher; and beloved Yorkie, Rambo. Jerry is survived by his wife Sylvia "Babe"; children, Dean Linder, Jon (Teri) Linder of Duluth, Dawn (Gene) Hautajarvi of Proctor; stepchildren, Gary (Emily), Ken (fiance Jan) and Billy (Amanda) Kalligher, Evelyn Sherlock and Laurie (Hayes) Garcia all of Duluth, Tom (Cindy) Kalligher of Bradenton, Fla. Jerry is also survived by 28 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. A special thank you from the family to the staff of Essentia Health Hospice. VISITATION: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, in Mount Olive English Lutheran Church 2012 East Superior St. Duluth. Interment will be at Oneota Cemetery. Services entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Chapel 218-624-5050