Gerald Sjobakken
November 9, 1938 — November 9, 2018
Gerald (Jerry) Marlowe Sjobakken, 80, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on Friday, November 9th, 2018, at Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion, IA.
Gerald was born on November 9, 1938, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Orvin and Viola (Doherty) Sjobakken. He married Ruth Ann Runde on October 17, 1964.
Jerry graduated from Loras College in Dubuque in 1957. He served with the US Navy where he became an airplane mechanic. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962 when he broke his leg playing football. He then enlisted in the Dubuque police force and eventually retired in 1994 after climbing the ranks from a beat cop to Captain/Shift Commander. Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting, stock cars races, working around the house and spending time with family.
He is survived by two children, Erik Sjobakken (Michaela McNeese), Kris Sjobakken (Dana); four grandchildren, Sydney, Kaia, Sara, and Samantha; 2 siblings, John (Jan) Sjobakken and Jean (Richard) Lees, along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, RuthAnn, and his parents.
In respect for Gerald’s wishes, there will be no visitation or burial services. He will be cremated and returned to the children. A small celebration of life will be planned in the near future.
The family wishes to thank all family members, friends, as well as the hospital staff of Mercy Hospital of Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy Hospice of Cedar Rapids and Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion for all their care and kindness for Gerald in his final hours in this world.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gerald’s memory. Please send contributions to:
Gerald Sjobakken
c/o Erik Sjobakken
3432 Lennon Lane
Marion, IA 52302
Gerald was born on November 9, 1938, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Orvin and Viola (Doherty) Sjobakken. He married Ruth Ann Runde on October 17, 1964.
Jerry graduated from Loras College in Dubuque in 1957. He served with the US Navy where he became an airplane mechanic. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962 when he broke his leg playing football. He then enlisted in the Dubuque police force and eventually retired in 1994 after climbing the ranks from a beat cop to Captain/Shift Commander. Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting, stock cars races, working around the house and spending time with family.
He is survived by two children, Erik Sjobakken (Michaela McNeese), Kris Sjobakken (Dana); four grandchildren, Sydney, Kaia, Sara, and Samantha; 2 siblings, John (Jan) Sjobakken and Jean (Richard) Lees, along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, RuthAnn, and his parents.
In respect for Gerald’s wishes, there will be no visitation or burial services. He will be cremated and returned to the children. A small celebration of life will be planned in the near future.
The family wishes to thank all family members, friends, as well as the hospital staff of Mercy Hospital of Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy Hospice of Cedar Rapids and Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion for all their care and kindness for Gerald in his final hours in this world.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gerald’s memory. Please send contributions to:
Gerald Sjobakken
c/o Erik Sjobakken
3432 Lennon Lane
Marion, IA 52302
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