Jerome McLaughlin, 86

Jerome “Jerry” Stanley McLaughlin, 86, formerly of Sioux Falls, died Friday, January 18, 2013 in Sun City, Arizona.

He was born April 19, 1926 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Miles and Christine (Thorstad) McLaughlin. Jerry graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1944. He graduated on his 18th birthday and then reported for duty in the Army Air Corps.

Jerry had enlisted on October 2, 1943 at the age of 17 with a signature from his mom. His active duty was from April 21, 1944 to April 15, 1946. In World War II, he was a member of a B-24 bomber crew (370 Bomber Squadron, the 307 Bomb Group), where he was the tail gunner. He served in the Western Pacific air offensive including Borneo, the China Offensive, New Guinea and Luzon.

In 1950, he married Geraldine “Gerri” Lehman in Foxhome, Minnesota. She passed away in 1997.

Jerry had a wonderful and blessed work history. He worked in various positions with the Fargo Forum until he went into the service. After the war, they moved to California where he worked as a draftsman for Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. He then accepted a position as a regional engineer with Great Lakes Pipeline back in the Midwest. Later he was employed as a regional engineer with Champlin Petroleum, staying with them through mergers with Fina and Union Pacific, until he retired.

He married Helen Robertson in December of 2007 in Laughlin, Nevada.

Jerry was a life member of the VFW and Legion in Fargo, ND, and was also a member of the Moose Lodge.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading and traveling, but his favorite activity was spending time with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Gerri; brothers, Tommy, Melvin, Allen, Oren, Charles, Art and Kenny; and his sister, Joyce Mitchell.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Robertson; three sons, Kim (Roxane) McLaughlin of Scottsdale, AZ, Mike McLaughlin of Glendale, AZ, and Steve (Nancy) McLaughlin of Sioux Falls, SD; six grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron, Megan, Miles, Emily and Katie; three great-grandchildren, Daniel, Madeline and Tessa; and a sister, Rose Pawski of Fargo, ND.

Memorials are preferred to Kids Against Hunger Sioux Falls.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9 at 11 a.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls with the Rev. Tom Peterson officiating.

Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com.

Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

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