Gerald Lee Pommer

Memorials may be directed to B Squad Rescue at (www.bsquaddogrescue.com) or the animal charity of your choice.

GERALD LEE POMMER was born March 23, 1948 to Lester and Darlene (Larson) Pommer in Adrian, Minnesota. He was baptized at Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth, Minnesota, where he remained an active member throughout his life. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1966 and then joined the Air National Guard. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas and Lowry, Colorado. He then continued his education, obtaining a degree in Electronics from Dunwoody Institute in 1969. After graduating college, Gerald moved to Rochester, Minnesota to work for IBM until 1972 when he returned to the family farm just north of Ellsworth. In 1982, he was united in marriage to Linda McGinty and the couple made their home on the farm. They raised two daughters, and Gerald loved teaching them how to drive a tractor, work with tools, change oil/tires, and how to care for their many animals. He always made time for his daughters and could be heard saying: “There’s nothing a boy can do that my girls can’t do.” He loved working on the farm and raised Black Angus cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, horses and several farm dogs, mostly corgis. In 2014, Gerald retired from farming and later moved to Helping Hands Assisted Living in Brandon, South Dakota. He was very appreciative of the staff at Helping Hands for their thoughtful, compassionate care and enjoyed sharing his many jokes with them. On December 18, 2021, Gerald died peacefully in his apartment at the age of 73 years, seven months, and 25 days

Gerald was an active member of the Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth throughout his life, from his baptism and confirmation to his funeral. He served as an elder and a deacon in the church and is remembered for having a strong faith in Christ. He was a very hard working but easy going and patient person, always looking for ways to help those around him. His daughters and grandchildren (plus one grand puppy, Sophia) always knew that they were loved and were important to him. He admired old tractors and cars and was able to identify an older car based only on the tail lights. When the family was growing, they spent many summers on Lake Shetek fishing, boating, and water skiing. Gerald taught over 40 people how to ski, including his daughters. He also enjoyed traveling, attending county fairs, listening to piano music and church hymns, and watching his favorite football teams, the Vikings and the Bears. His favorite thing to do, though, was spend time with his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

Gerald is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Julie (Tony) Lanoue of Garretson, South Dakota, and Ann Pommer of Brandon, South Dakota; three grandchildren, Abigail, Gerald, and Hannah Lanoue of Garretson; and siblings, Bernie (Marilyn) Pommer of Ellsworth, Janice (Larry) Heidebrink of Adrian, Shirley Huiskes of Luverne, and Carol (Tim) Chapa of Ellsworth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Darlene; and a brother-in-law, Dave Huiskes.