Donald Ralph Jerde, known by all as Joe, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 after an extended illness.

Joe was born on October 18, 1951, the son of Donald and Elsie Jerde.  He graduated from Watertown High School in 1969 and served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973, was deployed to Germany, and honorably discharged as a Private 1st Class.

He was united in marriage to his one true love Ellen (Ellie) Jerde on May 24, 1975 and they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just days after he passed away.

After leaving the service he worked at Advance Machine for 30 years and the Delano Public School District for 20 years.

Joe enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting, cars (the faster the better!), and watching NASCAR.  One of the highlights in his life was traveling to Alaska to fish and explore the spectacular landscape with the Graunke family who considered him to be like another brother.

He took great pleasure in driving his vintage 1966 Buick LeSabre convertible, Ranger side by side, four-wheeler and golf cart.  He loved to grill and relax with family and friends in his yard sipping a Sam Adams. He could visit with anyone and loved to joke and tease, and if you knew Joe you were probably on the receiving end of his playful teasing!

Joe was very proud of his son Clint and daughter Christel and took great joy in his grandchildren who also enjoyed driving grandpa’s array of motorized contraptions in his big yard.  He was a dedicated, supportive son-in-law to his mother-in-law Dolly who lost her husband at an early age.  Family meant everything to him.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife Ellie; son Clinton (Dusty) Jerde and daughter Christel (Andrew) Davis; grandchildren Brady and Delilah Jerde, Jacob and Lily Davis; brothers Marvin (JoAnn) Jerde, Gilbert (Judy) Jerde, Norman (Kathy) Jerde, Jimmy (Gail) Jerde; sisters-in-law Yvonne Jerde, Pauline Jerde, Barbara Jerde and  Debbi Jerde; many nephews and nieces, other relatives and many, many friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Melvin Krause; brothers Howard Jerde, Loren Jerde, Clifford Jerde, Curtis Jerde, Russell Jerde and David Jerde; and his mother-in-law Dolly Cook.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Delano United Methodist Church in Delano, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-8 PM on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano, and continue from 10-11 AM Friday prior to the service, at the church.