Gerald Blong

Gerald R. Blong, 83, of Waukon died Thursday, May 18, 2017 at his home. Funeral services were held Monday, May 22 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial was at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Ft. Atkinson.
Gerald Raymond Blong was born October 11, 1933 at his parents’ home in rural Ft. Atkinson, the son of Edward and Vera (Kuhn) Blong. He was baptized October 14, 1933 and confirmed October 12, 1942 at St. John's Catholic Church in Ft. Atkinson. At the age of 14, Gerald quit school to operate the family farm so his brothers and sisters could continue their schooling and later attend college. Later, he earned his GED. Gerald was a lifelong farmer in the rural areas near Cresco and Harmony, MN, installed flooring and drove for Hawkeye Stages in Decorah for several years.

Gerald met Janette Monroe Ryder at a singles support group in Decorah; they were married November 2, 1990 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Gerald loved dancing with his wife, Janette, and traveling throughout the United States with her. He also enjoyed telling stories, reading and sharing food with his family. Gerald had a great sense of humor and his faith was very important to him.

Survivors include his wife, Janette Blong of Waukon; his children: Bob (Darlene) Blong of Owatonna, MN, Emily (Jon) Huinker of Coralville and Kevin (Tracy) Blong of Chanhassen, MN; six grandchildren: Larissa and Mikayla Blong, Gabe and Maddie Huinker, and Caleb and Anna Blong; 10 step-children: Barb (Wayne) Winters-Kelly, Patty (Steve) Scholtes, Cathy (Keith) Dahlstrom, Joan (Dan) Lyons, Charlene (Jim) Baxter, Mary (Steve) Engrav, Bill Ryder, Peggy (Curt) Reiser, Tom Ryder and Donna (Rich) Kelly; 30 step-grandchildren; many step-great-grandchildren; his siblings: Angela Blong Praska, Edna Blong Bronner, Doris Blong Barden, Beatrice (Darwin) Blong Clupper, Cletus (Nancy) Blong, Collette (David) Blong Lind and Marilyn (Al) Blong Mracek. He is preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers-in-law: Don Praska, Chuck Bronner and Richard Barden.

Honorary casketbearers were Cletus Blong, Darwin Clupper, David Lind, Al Mracek, Norb Neuzil and Mark Praska. Casketbearers were Caleb Blong, Gabe Huinker, Tom Ryder, Dan Lyons, Wayne Kelly, Jim Baxter, Steve Engrav and Bill Ryder.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.