Gene Kerger

Gene "Bud" Kerger was born November 13, 1931, to Evald and Lydia Kerger in Slayton, MN. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on October 11, 2022.

Bud graduated from Slayton High School, joined the Air Force in 1951 and was stationed in Tripoli. He traveled extensively throughout Europe as an airplane mechanic. Upon returning home after serving overseas, he met Mary Lee Yearous. They were married on December 9, 1955.

Bud and Mary Lee moved to Brookings, SD, where Bud attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a degree in industrial education, a minor in math, with a certificate to teach science.

After welcoming their first child, Kraig, the family relocated to Pequot Lakes in 1959. Bud taught at Pequot Lakes High School for over 30 years and helped to initiate the Festival of Arts event. Bud and Mary Lee welcomed three more children into their family, Leah, Krystal, and Mike. Bud joined the Fire Department in 1964, retiring in 1991 but still reporting to fires long after. After his retirement from teaching, Bud worked for the city of Breezy Point, volunteered with the Pequot Lakes Historical Society, and served on his church council.

Bud is survived by his children, Kraig, Krystal (Sam) Lyonais, Mike (Del Ria), and son-in-law Galen Carlson; grandchildren: Jory (Megan), Jenna (Garrett), Brianna (Brian), Courtney (Joe), Valorie, Zack (Nicki), Mikyla (Austin), Keean, Corissa, Aisley, and Payslen; sister-in-law, Virginia Yearous; 15 great-grandchildren; and lots of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee; daughter, Leah; great-granddaughter, Violet; his parents, Evald and Lydia; sisters, Iris and Harriet; in-laws, Albion and Beulah Yearous, Gene (Merlie), Delmar, and John.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 20, from 5 to 7 pm at Kline Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes. Services will be held at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on Friday, October 21, at 10 am, with burial at the Jenkins Cemetery and lunch to follow at the Pequot Lakes American Legion.