Jerry Albert Kewatt

Jerry Albert Kewatt, 83, of Peyton, Colorado, formerly of North Mankato, Minnesota, passed away on September 14, 2026. He was born on June 15, 1943, on his family’s farm in Kilkenny Township, Minnesota, to Theodore and Helen (Boldt) Kewatt.

Jerry attended elementary school in Kilkenny Township and graduated from Le Center High School. His connection to his Minnesota roots remained an important part of his life.

Jerry entered the United States Navy in Minneapolis and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served aboard the USS Independence, USS Saratoga, and USS Forrestal, working with helicopter crews and in maintenance. He was honorably discharged at Lakehurst, New Jersey, with the rank of E-3.

After his military service, Jerry worked at Dotson Iron Castings for 39 years. As a leadman, he was respected for his skill, dependability, and commitment to doing the job well.

In November 1966, Jerry married LaVonne Kaye Hanson in Cleveland, Minnesota. Together they raised two children. Jerry is survived by his son, Robert Kewatt, and daughter-in-law, Beth (Bailey) Kewatt; his daughter, Julie (Kewatt) Swanson, and son-in-law, Brian Swanson; and his grandchildren, Stefan Kewatt, Kara Kewatt, James Albert Swanson, and KaSandra Kaye Swanson and her husband, Matthew Thibodeau.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne (Hanson) Kewatt; his parents; and his brothers and sisters: Orville (Regina) Kewatt; Louise (Bill) Bartusek; Betty (Delmer) Braun; Alvera (Arvid) Schnoor; Henry “Hank” Kewatt; Charles Kewatt; Shirley (Arlie) Bluhm; Joan (Victor) Bruns; Donald Joseph Kewatt; Phyllis Kewatt; and Theodore Kewatt. Jerry was the last surviving child of Theodore and Helen Kewatt. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Jeanette Kewatt, wife of the late Hank Kewatt, and JoAnn Kewatt, wife of the late Charles Kewatt.

Jerry enjoyed race car driving, working on pit crews, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. A mechanic at heart, he spent much of his free time at the Hideaway Garage, putting his patience and know-how to work.

His faith and community were important to him. Jerry had ties to the Church of Christ in Calhan, Colorado; the Church of Christ in Cleveland, Minnesota; and St. John Lutheran Church in Kilkenny, Minnesota. He was also a member of the Eagles Club in Mankato, Minnesota.

The family extends its sincere thanks to Pikes Peak Hospice for its care and to family and friends for their love and support.

A graveside service honoring Jerry and LaVonne Kewatt will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1:00 PM, at Sabre Lake Cemetery in Minnesota, where they will be laid to rest.

A reception will follow at the Toy Box Saloon, 216 Kilkenny Rd, Kilkenny, MN 56052.