Gerald Brekken

Gerald Eugene Brekken, 59, of Fernley, NV, and a Crookston, MN native, died unexpectedly at his home of natural causes on Wednesday, August 6, 2014. Gerald was born in Crookston on April 26, 1955, the son of Albert and Wanda (Pester) Brekken. He was baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, attended Cathedral School, and graduated from Mount St. Benedict High School in 1973. While in high school, Gerald, or "Jonce" as he was known to his classmates and friends, participated in hockey, football, drama club, choir, and sang with the 'Belles and Beaus'. He also worked on the family farm with his dad and brothers. Gerald furthered his education at St. John's University at Collegeville, MN, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in 1977. He was united in marriage to Bridgett Bergan on June 3, 1978 at St. Cloud, MN. Four children were born to their union: Jonathan, Leah, Joshua, and Catherine. The growing family made their home in Richfield, MN until moving to Carson City, NV on March 13, 1987. Gerald taught Junior High English in Carson City for a year and then at Swope Middle School in Reno from 1988 until his retirement in 2009. Gerald was a member of the Nevada Education Association and the Arbor Day Foundation. In 2010 he moved to Fernley. A favorite pastime was playing on-line scrabble with family members. He also enjoyed reading, gardening, and landscaping, and kept up with the news from Crookston via the Times and KROX websites. Gerald remained a loyal Twins and Vikings fan despite his many years spent in Nevada. He will be remembered as a very caring father and grandfather who gave his all for his kids.

Gerald leaves his 4 children and 3 grandchildren: Jonathan Brekken and wife, Lauren, and children, Avery and Eloise, of Houston, TX, Leah Brekken and daughter, Emma, of Carson City, NV, Joshua Brekken and fiancé, Erin Hoffman, of Woodbury, MN, and Catherine Fernandez and Arturo of Carson City. He is also survived by his mother, Wanda Brekken of Crookston, MN; 7 brothers and 3 sisters: Roger (Edie) of Emily, MN, Dennis (Bev) and Vincent (Marie) of Crookston, David (Shirley) of Birchwood, WI, Greg (Maggie) of Goldsborg, NC, Mark (Jody) of Apple Valley, MN, Phil of Cottage Grove, MN, Marcie (Pat) McConville of Pinckney, MI, Chris (Bob) Olson of Paramount, CA, and Michelle (Elliott) Solheim of Crookston; a sister-in-law, Kristie Brekken Ricard of Crookston; an aunt and uncle, Howard and Evelyn Hanson of Crookston; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Albert; brother, Curtis, and nephew, Jeremy. May God bless the memory of Gerald Eugene Brekken. The Mass of Christian Burial for Gerald Eugene Brekken will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with The Rev. Vincent Miller, presiding. Visitation will be at the Cathedral on Monday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service and time of sharing. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the funeral service. Inurnment will take place at the Calvary Cemetery in Crookston.

Online registry:



www.stenshoelhouske.com

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

cemetery
Friday, August 1, 2014
Visitation
Monday, August 18, 2014
Service
Tuesday, August 19, 2014