Gerald Darveaux, 92

Gerald “Jerry” Francis Darveaux, 92, Alexandria, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Jerry was born May 27, 1919, in Rulo, Nebraska, to John and Odeal Louise (Prenat) Darveaux. At age 12, Jerry’s dad taught him the meat-cutting trade, as he worked for the family grocery business. He continued working there after graduating from Rulo High School in 1936 before moving to Omaha and then Carroll, Iowa, to work for Safeway and Fareway Grocery. In Carroll he met and later married Grace Josephine Mosman on May 19, 1941. They raised two daughters, Lana and Alicia, and four sons, Jan, Rene’, Dion and Blaise. Jerry considered raising his six children his greatest accomplishment in life.

Having moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, Jerry was drafted into the Army in 1942, serving in England as a senior master sergeant non-commissioned officer, managing food services for a 1,600-bed hospital during the Battle of the Bulge of WWII. After serving his country, he returned to Fort Dodge. In 1964 he opened Jerry’s Jack & Jill in Alexandria, where he operated a successful supermarket business for more than 25 years.

Also in 1964, Jerry purchased land on Lake L’Homme Dieu, being one of the first in the area to build a home on what he called “the most beautiful lake in the world.” He loved to fish, boat and barbecue with family and friends, enjoying many summer days and blazing sunsets during the nearly 50 years he spent at the lake.

On December 10, 1975, Grace passed away, and in 1977 Jerry met and married Bernita (Toftely) Torgerson. Jerry was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a proud member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Bernita of Alexandria; brother, Henry (Doe) Darveaux of Pipestone; sons, Jan (Bonnie) Darveaux of Minneapolis, Rene (Chris Clardy) Darveaux of Houston, Dion (Brenda) Darveaux of Dalton, Blaise (Bettina) Darveaux of Hillsborough, North Carolina; daughters, Lana (Rick) DiGangi of Brooklyn, New York, and Alicia Darveaux of Albuquerque, New Mexico; stepsons, Bruce (Karen) Torgerson of Eagan; Eric (Sue) Torgerson of New Ulm; and two stepdaughters, Joni Torgerson of West St. Paul and Jill (Bradley) Jenson of Duluth; 20 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Grace, as well as five sisters and three brothers.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, April 10 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2012AR11

Tags: obituaries