Gerald “Jerry” Levenske, age 77, of Durand passed away peacefully on July 22, 2021 at his house with his wife and daughter by his side, after a 15 year battle with cancer.

Jerry was born October 8, 1943 in Michigan and was raised in Two Harbors, MN.  After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy.  Against all odds, the Pollock married a Norwegian in 1968.

Jerry began his telephone career as a lineman, then moved into an office position doing cost analysis, followed by managing several independent telephone and cable companies for CSI in Hector, MN.

In December 1979, Jerry was hired as manager of Nelson Telephone in Durand.  He became known for his work in the independent telephone industry, serving on several state and national boards. He also served on the Security National Bank board.  After retiring in 2002, he and Viv began wintering in AZ. 

“Vinny” enjoyed his motorcycles and those who rode with him, golfing (he had two holes-in-one,) woodworking, billiards, and video poker.  He was a master of one-liners and sarcasm.  He picked on everyone he liked.  His humor will be deeply missed.  He was truly and thankfully one-of-a-kind!  His self-obituary was, “Born, Lived, Died!”

Jerry is survived by Vivian, his loving wife of 53 years, son J.J. (Kelli), daughter Misty Dawn (Jason Peterson), grandsons Coltan (19), Carter (13), Sawyer (9), brother Steve Jr., sister-in-law Margie, and dear friend, Sharon Berger.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry and Bobby, and sister-in-law Pat. 

Jerry was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church.  Per his request, there will be no funeral service.  A life celebration will be held at a future date at the Corral, his favorite hangout. 

Please no flowers.  A scholarship will be established in his name.

Thank you to Heartland Hospice for their weeks of compassionate care, Rhiel Funeral Home, and Dr. Sandeep Basu, for making doctor appointment so much more than just another visit.  Thank you to all his friends that reached out and offered support.  Jerry’s memory will live on through stories told.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Mike Skucius October 8, 2021, at 9:49am

   Jerry was one of my favorites. Learned a couple of things from him early in my career (that I have since passed on to others…). Condolences to Viv and family.

2. Roger & Charlotte Amundson August 20, 2021, at 3:31pm

   So sorry to hear of the passing of my old fishing and golfing friend. Jerry allways made fun of my old golf bag, he said it must have belonged to Ike. In 1985 I had remarried and had my wife with me at a tournament, by then I had a new golf bag. Jerry said I see you have a new bag, paused and then said I don't mean the golf bag. God be with you fellow Norsky.

3. Patti Blount August 19, 2021, at 12:38pm

   I'm sorry to hear about Jerry. Sympathy to Viv and family during this difficult time.

4. Susan Adamson August 6, 2021, at 10:05am

   So sorry for your loss Viv … May Jer Rest In Peace…his journey was long and now over … time for him and Richard to have a cigar.

5. Kathy Hutter-Messier August 4, 2021, at 1:48pm

   our deepest condolences to Viv and family.

6. Tony Wittig July 31, 2021, at 6:35am

   Sorry for your loss Viv.

7. Bev & Jr Weissinger July 30, 2021, at 7:50pm

   I worked at NTC for 23 years and Jerry was a “one of a kind” boss. We shared many a laugh because I always thought he wasn’t that tall and would ask him if he needed a lift when he wanted something off the top of a shelf. You can imagine the answers I would get. May he rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers go out to Viv, JJ, Misty and their families.

8. Rod & Tracy Rosemeyer July 29, 2021, at 7:39pm

   Sending our deepest sympathy to the family.

9. Skip Brenner July 28, 2021, at 10:01pm

   My sincere sympathies. Jerry was a dear friend to my father and I will never forget the walnut wood bowls he made for myself and my sisters, Kathy and Mary Beth when our father passed 10 years ago.

10. Dennis July 28, 2021, at 3:59pm

    Are deepest sympathy to levenske family

11. Brian Madson July 28, 2021, at 2:04pm

    My sincerest condolences to Jerry’s family.

12. Fred and Spank Weier July 28, 2021, at 9:53am

    We look back at so many great memories collected throughout the years. Jerry had a life well lived, his way, of course! We send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family❣️

13. Pamela Kenworthy July 27, 2021, at 11:07am

    Please contact me once the scholarship is established. On behalf of the NECA Board of Directors, we are sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of him.
    Best, Pamela

14. Jodi (Weier) Gullicksrud July 26, 2021, at 8:38pm

    Much love to you all. Jerry’s quick wit always brought a smile to my face.

15. Paula Smith July 26, 2021, at 6:52pm

    To Misty and family so sorry.for the loss of your Dad hopefully you and JJ have memories that last a life time your all will be in my prayers

16. Valerene Cataract July 26, 2021, at 6:24pm

    My sympathy to you Viv and family. Always remember the good stuff.

17. Gary & Judi Bauer July 26, 2021, at 4:32pm

    Sending our prayers and sympathy to your family, we remember the day a couple years ago he was out for a drive and stopped in to see us. Rest In Peace

18. Joe Laberee July 26, 2021, at 4:07pm

    I never knew Jerry liked me as until I read his obituary. He teased me all the time.

19. Kim and Lynette Wagenbach July 26, 2021, at 3:13pm

    May Jerry rest in peace. He fought the good fight and kept his sense of humor. May God bless you all with comfort and peace at this time of loss.

20. Bob L Biederman July 26, 2021, at 2:47pm

    Jerry was one of kind , great man , sympathy to all his family.

21. Dave Dunning July 26, 2021, at 2:42pm

    I served on the NTCA R&S Trustee Committee with Jerry. He picked on me from morning until night, including every minute while playing golf.

    Jerry was one of a kind. May god bless an old friend and mentor.

22. Randy & Sharon Bauer July 26, 2021, at 2:33pm

    We offer you our deepest Sympathy, Hugs & Prayers. Vinnie has left us all with many warm memories & stories. He will be missed

23. John Klatt July 26, 2021, at 1:59pm

    Viv and Family,
    Our Condolences in the passing of Jerry. May you find peace in your loss.
    While so much could be said at this point to reflect over our relationship in a retort "Jerry style". :)
    I am most grateful for Jerry's friendship and mentoring as he was so gracious with to many. Our business/Industry is a better place and we were graced with the gift to have Jerry in our journey.
    God Bless,

    John Klatt

View More Posts ( # )