Donald Gerard

Donald "Donnie" Ray Gerard, 56, of Brainerd our devoted husband, father, son, and friend died peacefully at his Brainerd home on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 of melanoma, surrounded by those the loved. A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at Eagles Nest (6103 Lauaque Road) in Duluth, MN at 2:00-6:00PM. Visitation will be Monday, July 22, 2013 from 5:00-7:00PM at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.

Donnie was born on January 12, 1957 in Duluth, MN to Donald and Nancy (Flately) Gerard. He graduated from Central High School and married Chris Switzer in 1995.
Donnie was previously married to Barb Konezny. Donnie and Chris moved to Brainerd in 2001, where he was employed at ABC Seamless until the time of his death. He was an avid sportsman, more at home in his cabin or fish house than in the city. He was also an archer and woodsman, having built his family's cabin by hand. Donnie loved hunting and ice fishing nearly as much as he loved his wife. He brought natural light wherever he went.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Chris; sons, Travis (Jodie) Gerard, Charles Gerard, Ivan Hagman, and his honorary son, Jason (Bobbi) Thiesse; three grandchildren, Emily, Julia, and Bryce all of Duluth; mother, Nancy (Flatley) Gerard; brother, Greg (Laurie) Gerard of Wyoming; sisters, Nan (Cliff) Wakefield of Duluth, and Lynette Gerard of Duluth. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.