It is with great sadness that the family of Gerald (Jerry) Willerth shares the news of his passing on Monday, August 3, 2020. After struggling with the side effects of renal failure for some time, Jerry passed at home after a summer of being cared for and loved by his children and their families.
Jerry is survived by his wife Doreen and their 4 children, Corinne (Graham), Kathy (Bryce), David (Tammy) and Glenn (Teresa). In addition, he had 9 wonderful grandchildren, (Kristi (Alec), Laurel, Kaitlyn, Jessica (Brent), Mackenzie, Hailey (Austin), Ross, Cassidy (Nicole), and Brooklyn), and 7 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Don (Connie) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Margaret Willerth, 4 sisters and 2 brothers.
Jerry loved his many years farming in the Indian Head area and was dedicated to soil conservation work for which he received many awards. He was forward thinking and involved in progressive initiatives, such as spearheading organizations like the Rat Eradication Program, the ADD board committee, Save Our Soils, Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association, Canada Soil Conservation and the Bell Barn Society.
Jerry was inducted into the Canada Soil Conservation Hall of Fame in Ottawa, the Agriculture Hall of Fame at the U of S and Honorary life membership in Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. A quote that Jerry said upon accepting an award with the SIA is “I believe that farming and in particular living on a farm, offer a quality of life and appreciation of nature that few other professions can offer.”
He also enjoyed many hours in his garden and orchards and loved the fruits of this labour. Despite physical struggles in his last few years he found ways to continue to pick his beloved saskatoons, chokecherries and other berries. Jerry was a loyal Roughrider fan and loved his fishing trips.
Above all else, his favorite thing to do was to spend time with grandchildren. Many hours were spent teasing, playing games and cards, and sharing meals. He was so pleased to share his recent 80th birthday with all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and friends despite COVID-19 restrictions making it necessary to have a virtual gathering.
Jerry valued many friendships and missed their presence during the last few months but remembered fun times in the past.
An outdoor funeral service was held at 3:30 pm Thursday, August 6, 2020 at the Indian Head cemetery. Close friends are welcome to join. Please follow social distancing rules so that we can all remain safe. As well as your mask, you may wish to bring a hat and water.
The family gives special thanks to the Indian Head EMS, Indian Head Home Care staff and of course the staff at The Rising Bear Dialysis Clinic in Fort Qu’Appelle. You guys are all truly amazing.
If desired, donations can be made to the Indian Head and District Hospital Foundation Inc (Box 1547 Indian Head, SOG 2KO) or the Bell Barn Society (Box 1882, Indian Head, SOG 2KO).
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