Jerry Slough

Jerry Slough, age 77, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Wednesday (December 4th) at his home. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (December 14th) in the Old Gym at Fosston High School with the Rev. John Dalen officiating. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston, at a later date. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday in the Old Gym. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com. Memorials may be directed to Essentia Health Hospice of Fosston or the Loaves and Fishes food shelf in Fosston.Gerald Otto Slough was born in Bemidji on June 8, 1936 to Otto and Mildred (Peters) Slough. He graduated from Bemidji High School with the class of 1955 and soon married his childhood sweetheart, Charlene Dougherty in June of 1957. Jerry graduated from Bemidji State University with a teaching degree in May of 1959. He started his first teaching position in Fosston, Minnesota in the fall of 1959. He received his Masters Degree in education from Bemidji State University in 1975. Jerry and Char made Fosston their home, raising all four children here. Jerry taught for 34 years at Fosston High School, 13 of which he was the Assistant Principal. During his tenure, he coached, was a high school basketball official, and forever a Fosston Greyhound fan.Jerry retired from teaching in 1993, however he stayed very active in his retirement years. He served on multiple boards, volunteered at the Fosston Hospital/Clinic, and served as a member and chairperson of the Fosston School Board. He co-chaired the Library Arts Auction and was the recipient of the Fosston Service Award in 2012. In the earlier years he also served as Justice of the Peace in Fosston. He continued his love for education as a student teacher supervisor for Bemidji State University for 13 years until the present time.As a member of Hope Lutheran and Kingo Lutheran churches, Jerry served in many capacities. He was often found at the Loaves and Fishes food shelf where he loved to share his time and gift of compassion with many. Yet, Jerry's favorite times were with family and friends. He loved to hunt and fish. He loved to tell stories and to visit with anyone who had time. His most cherished times were spent at his cabin on Cass Lake enjoying his children and grandchildren.Jerry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Char. Four children: Kathy (Rick) Patton of Brainerd; Kelly (Marty) Gubrud of Brainerd; Timothy (Debbie) Slough of Bemidji; Patrick (Teresa) Slough of Brainerd. Thirteen grandchildren: Teascha (Dan) Sorenson; Vincent (Amy) Patton; Joshua Patrick; Kelsey (Eric) Hoff; Allyson Patton; Jessica Dufour; Mackinzie Slough; Jacob Slough; Tyler Gubrud; Joseph Gubrud; Jack Gubrud; Haley Slough; and Riley Slough. One sister, Judith (James) Detschman of Bemidji; several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mildred Slough and one nephew, Todd Detschman.