Jerome Harold Hunke

JEROME HAROLD HUNKE March 11, 1938 – February 11, 2018                   Jerome Harold “Jerry” Hunke, age 79 of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully entered eternity on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids.                 Jerry was born in Staples, MN to William and Martha (Pajari) Hunke on March 11, 1938.  He grew up in Sebeka, MN where he attended the Sebeka Public Schools and grew into manhood.  As a teenager, Jerry ventured out to North Dakota and did farm work.  He loved adventure and headed up to Alaska where he worked for four years before returning to Minnesota.  Jerry worked a long career as a heavy equipment operator building roads throughout the region.  He operated the big semi-trucks and belly dumps hauling gravel and hot-mix to the road beds.  On December 26, 1970, Jerry was united in marriage to Beulah May Pederson.  Their marriage was blessed with four children: Larry, Trish, Randy and Linden.  After the children were raised, Beulah enjoyed traveling with Jerry and staying in their large camper as he worked road construction throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming.  Jerry retired in 2000 so he and Beulah would have more time fish and travel.  Jerry loved the north woods of Minnesota and enjoyed deer, partridge and duck hunting.  He and Beulah enjoyed traveling down to the Twin Cities where he and son, Larry would often go to a Vikings game while the girls either joined them or shopped.  Over the years, Jerry had several dearly loved dog companions who were a big part of his family as well.  His life was deeply saddened by the death of his precious wife, Beulah in December of 2007.                  He will be lovingly remembered by  his three children:  Larry (Bobbie), Trish (Scot) and Randy (Vickie); five grandchildren: Angela, Jason, Melissa, Travis and Shane;  nine great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter, Ruby Rae;  his sister, Phyllis (Ted) Swinteck and brother, Ken (Kay) Hunke; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.                 Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah; his parents and his son, Linden.                 Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, February 19, 2018 at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Chip Nielsen officiating.  Linda Szuszitsky will be the organist. The casket bearers will be grandchildren: Jason Sahr, Kristy Sahr, Travis Metteer, Angela Gaffke and Melissa Kawlewski and friends, Spike Wellman and Ellis Bower.  Interment will be made in the West Lyons Cemetery near Nimrod, MN.  Following the service, the church family will host a luncheon.  Visitation will be held beginning one hour prior to the service on Monday.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please  visit www.jonespearson.com