Gerald Portz

Gerald "Jerry" Portz, age 75, of Twin Valley, MN, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in Essentia Health, Ada, MN. Gerald Paul Portz was born September 5, 1938 in White Earth, MN, the son of Vernon and Leona (Scott) Portz. He was raised in the Winger and Fosston, area where he also attended school. As a young man he worked various jobs in the area. On November 14, 1959, Jerry was united in marriage to Rosell Wichern at the Strand Lutheran Church near Twin Valley. They first made their home in Glendive, Montana for a year or two before moving to the Twin Valley community, where they raised their family. Over the years he worked at several places including the Viking Snowmobile Plant, Abbott-Arne & Schwinn, many farmers in the area, American Crystal, the Shooting Star Casino, and was custodian at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church. In later years he also worked at Burkel Turkey Farm and for the local Work Experience Program. Jerry enjoyed raising animals and spending time in his garden. He also liked to mow lawns, cut wood and care for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In more recent years he loved spending his days with his dog, Rocky. Jerry is survived by two sons, David (Beth) Portz and Charles Portz all of Twin Valley; Diane Pederson (Mike Thornton) of Twin Valley, Carol (Jearl) Henderson of Fertile, and Bonnie (Kern) Kuhlmann of Pelican Rapids; a sister, Jackie Lienes of Bagley, MN; 13 grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; one sister; two brothers-in-law and one nephew. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday January 9, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:00pm all in the church. Officiating will be Pastor Robert Behling with Myrna Thornton serving as organist and Harold and Jean Allrich providing special music. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Steven Pederson, Brian Pederson, Jason Pederson, Nathan Pederson, Andrew Pederson, Wade Pederson, Nicole Pederson, Crystal Tovar, Kody Kuhlmann, Kayla Kuhlmann, Tom Hendershot, Josh Hendershot and Terry Hendershot. Burial will be in Strand Lutheran Cemetery rural Twin Valley, MN.

Gerald Portz

September 5, 1938 - December 31, 2013