Jerry Don Wydra

2020-09-19T08:52:34-05:00
Marine Corp Badge
  • Name: Jerry Don Wydra
  • Location of Birth: Tacoma, Washington
  • Date of Birth: May 21, 1937
  • Date of Death: September 29, 2010 (73 years old)
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  • Branch: Marine Corp
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  • Military Highlights:
    Jerry proudly served in the Marine Corps in California from October 1954 to October, 1957.

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  • Civilian Life:
    Jerry spent most of his adult life in Alaska as a commercial fisherman and businessman. His life-long hobby led him to open a gun shop, AA Guns, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota when he returned to Minnesota. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, gardening, gun auctions, and his "Yorkie pups".

    Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Stefonwicz and Stephanie and Ray Wydra, a grandson, Jamison Middleton; stepbrother, Ray Wydra, Jr.; uncle, Bud Stefonowicz; and brother-in-law, Mike Lammon.

    Surviving family includes his wife, Ione; children, Cathy (Jim) Brooks, Jagade Wydra, Jerreleigh (Mike) Wydra, and Cerise (Eric) Wydra; stepchildren, Ione Suzanne (Tim) Gobbi and Mark Wingate; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Margie (Jim) Kelley; brother, Don (Paula) Wydra; half sister, Nancy Stefonowicz; and stepbrothers, Gary (Saunda) Wydra and Bob Wydra; and nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Krista Lammon.

    News article from Grand Rapids Herald Review dated October 2, 2010:

    "Grand Rapids Man Dies in Boating Accident"
    "A rural Grand Rapids man died early Tuesday morning as the result of a boating accident.
    According to Itasca County Sheriff Pat Medure, Jerry Don Wydra, 73, was found on First River by Egg Lake, approximately 11 miles northwest of Deer River.
    Medure said a 911 call was received around 1:30 a.m. after Wydra, who went to scout duck hunting spots earlier Monday afternoon, had failed to return home.
    Deputies responded and found a capsized boat around 3 a.m. The victim, who was wearing a life jacket, was found underneath the boat in the water. The water depth where the boat was found was approximately five feet.
    Medure said autopsy results made available Thursday determined Wydra died from hypothermia.
    The sheriff's department was assisted at the scene by Leech Lake and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers."

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