Jerry E. Jetland

2020-01-26T19:36:02-06:00
Marine Corp Badge
  • Name: Jerry E. Jetland
  • Location of Birth: Duluth, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: May 9, 1930
  • Date of Death: December 19, 2019 (89 years old)
  • Parents: Edward and Alpha Jetland
  • High School and Class: Grand Rapids High School, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: CORP (Corporal)
  • Branch: Marine Corp
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: February 5, 1952
  • Place Sworn In: San Diego, California
  • Date of Discharge: February 19, 1954
  • Place of Discharge: Treasure Island, California
  • Units and Locations:
    Start Date End Date Unit(s) and Location(s) Served
    Approximately May, 1952 Approximately February, 1954 First Combat Service Group
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    Jerry was transported from California on the USS Migs, a 17 day journey, and landed in Inchon, Korea. There were 6,000 service personnel on board. Many were with the Army and got off in Japan. The remaining Marines went on to Korea. He was engaged in hand-to-hand combat along with many fallen marines.

  • Wars Involved:
    Korean Conflict

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    Jerry's childhood was carefree and fun filled. After graduating from Grand Rapids High School, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict. Not long after he returned, he met and married the love of his life, Jeanette Rose Larson, and within nine months they were married. Soon after they welcomed three children who were the light of his life. He worked for many years for the City of Grand Rapids Public Utilities retiring in 1990. Jerry was a lifelong member of the Community Presbyterian Church, Showboat cast member, and Sugar Hills Ski Patrol, and many other social endeavors. Although his sight left him and his body ailed, he remained lively, charming, and spunky to the end.

    Preceded in death by his parents, Alpha and Edward; sisters, Edith, Arvilla, and Hazel; brothers, Art, Harold, Don, Lloyd, Floyd (Fuzz), and Jack (Pinky); and other loving family members.

    Survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette Jetland; three children, Jeff, Jody, and Jan (Edgar) Murphy; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) Jetland, Emily (Nick) Rothstein, Quinn and Paige Murphy; three great grandchildren, Aubrey, Isaiah, and Jade; sister-in-law, Virginia Jetland; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

    No burial information at this time.

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):