Jerome "Jerry" Fuglseth, 81, of Fertile, MN, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 25, 2017, at his home.  He was born to Chancy and Dorothy (Scott) Fuglseth at his family farm in rural Fertile, MN, on March 16 ^th, 1937. Jerry was baptized and confirmed at Little Norway Lutheran Church, where he was a life-long member. He served as a deacon at Little Norway in later years.

Jerry attended school at Lone Oak Country School in his elementary years, followed by junior high at Fertile School. Jerry attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, where he was on the swim team and was the captain of the diving team, graduating high school in 1955.

Jerry had a desire to serve his country, and he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1954, serving for 2 years. He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps and trained at Camp Pendelton in San Diego, CA. He was later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, with the 3 ^rd Marine Division. During his time with the Marines (1956-58), Jerry earned the rank of Corporal. He was a general warehouse man, working as a prison guard and a prison chaser and earned the title of "sharp shooter". Jerry continued to serve in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1962. He was a member of the American Legion Post 238 for 28 years.  More recently, Jerry was able to participate in the Veteran's Honor Flight of ND/MN, traveling to Washington D.C. on May 20-21 ^st , 2018, where he was honored as a veteran of the Korean War Era. Jerry thoroughly enjoyed his Honor Flight trip and was looking forward to sharing his experience with his friends and family.

Jerry met the love of his life, Lucille Horn, from rural Twin Valley, MN, and they were joined in marriage on November 3 ^rd , 1962.  Jerry built their house in the summer of 1963 where they lived the rest of their lives together. They had 4 children, who they successfully raised to adulthood (despite the many stories of dangerous childhood escapades their kids shared with them only after they were grown adults themselves). Jerry was known as "Grandpa Jerry" to 10 wonderful grandchildren!

Jerry had several professions in his lifetime. Throughout his youth, he worked on his father's farm. He also drove truck for Coca Cola for several years, as well as managed a gas station in Crookston, MN. Jerry preferred to be self-employed, however, and ran a variety of businesses. He owned a chicken egg farm for a number of years, and was a self-employed semi-truck driver for about 10 years. Jerry is probably best known for being the original owner/operator of the popular Hobo Tacos, as well as the Fertile Bakery for several years, with the assistance of Lucille.  After retiring from self-employment, he worked part-time as a funeral assistant for Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home for about the past 20 years.

Also after retirement, Jerry took a carving class from Norris Johnson and was hooked! He spent countless hours perfecting his craft, becoming an award-winning wood carver. Jerry enjoyed teaching others to carve, including several of his grandchildren. He held carving classes in his shop, and hosted a weekly carving night with other local carvers in the shop he built specifically for carving and woodworking. Jerry served as a superintendent in charge of the woodworking displays at the Polk County Fair for several years. He proudly displayed his own works of art, winning multiple ribbons for his entries.

Although Jerry worked hard all of his life and was very proud of his accomplishments, work was just a way to earn a living. What he was most proud of was his life with Lucille, his children, and his grandchildren—he was known to brag about them from time to time and so enjoyed spending time with them!

Jerry is survived by Lucille, his wife of 55 years; children Lisa (Tom) Allen (Coleman, SD) and their children Zachary and Katie; Ty (Kirsten) Fuglseth (Fertile, MN) and their children Kennedy, Madison, Britton, and Dawson; Reed (Kris) Fuglseth (North Branch, MN) and their children Toran and Nicole; Rita (John) Gilliam (Woodbury, MN) and their children Sydney and Cassidy; brothers James Fuglseth, Wayne Fuglseth, and Randy Fuglseth.  He was preceded in death by his father, Chancy, and his mother, Dorothy.

Funeral: 2:00PM Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Little Norway Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN.

Visitation: On Sunday for two hours before the service at the church.

Burial: Little Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile, MN.