Jerry Dean Gentry was born on February 13, 1939, in Iona, Minnesota and received his education in the Okabena Public Schools, graduating in the Class of 1957. Jerry then enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard where he served his country for twenty years until retiring. On April 21, 1973, Jerry was united in marriage to Shirley Kay Bruns in Worthington, Minnesota. This marriage would be blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Kathy. After marriage, Jerry and Shirley lived in Okabena where they owned and operated Gentry Grocery Store. They later moved to Jeffers, Minnesota and Jerry was the city maintenance director. In the early 2000's Jerry retired. After retiring, Jerry and Shirley continued to live in Jeffers until this past March when they moved to Windom. Earlier this year, Jerry was diagnosed with cancer and was recently placed in hospice care at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Lakefield and passed away there peacefully on Friday morning, July 31st, 2020 at the age of 81 years. Jerry was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom, the Jeffers Masonic Lodge and then the Prudence Lodge #97 AF & M in Windom, the Jeffers Lion's Club and the Okabena American Legion Post. Jerry had many enjoyments in life which included woodworking, watching sports-a huge Vikings fan he was, casino tours, traveling and spending time with his family-especially playing football with the grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Shirley Gentry of Windom; two daughters, Jennifer Mutz of Windom; Kathy (Justin) Derickson of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren, Gavin, Eli and Emily Mutz, Jaxon and Brok Derickson; two brothers, Donald (Judy) Gentry of Lakefield; Dennis Gentry of Hawaii; one brother-in-law, Gordon Greven of Minneapolis; and several nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Marg Greven. Blessed be the memory of Jerry D. Gentry.