Gerald Smedberg

Smedberg, Gerald "Jerry" age 84, of Crosslake (formerly of Minneapolis), died peacefully Sunday, April 5, 2015 in his home.
Jerry was born on April 11, 1930 in Minneapolis. He was raised by his grandparents on a small farm at Lake Mary near Winsted, Minnesota and attended Howard Lake High School.
He served in the Navy, primarily on Guam, where he edited the base newspaper and acted in the play Mr. Roberts. Upon his return, he married Jeanne Okeson on April 21, 1951.
They settled in Minneapolis, where he began an inspirational career in Real Estate (Smedberg and Associates) and motivational speaking (How to Live Laugh Love and Succeed) that lasted over 60 years. He was involved in the Jaycees, the National Board of Realtors and many other organizations.
He raised five children in Southwest Minneapolis, and devoted his free time to bringing them "up north" to Outing, Minnesota, or "out to the farm" to visit friends in Waverly. In later years, "Grandpa Jerry" devoted his love and attention to his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, entertaining, building, traveling, airplanes and living each day to it's fullest! Jerry provided encouragement and sound advice to many people seeking direction in life. He began each day writing his goals on his "famous" red cards…to reach worthy predetermined objectives and goals "today"!
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Steve (Denise), Sue Hunter, Jay, Scott (Jenise Doty) and Cindy; grandchildren, Corbin Doty (Carly Beetsch), Matt, Megan and Molly Hunter, Anders and Annalesa Johnson, Maja, Simon and Tulsi Smedberg.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 10th at 11:00 AM at Crosslake Lutheran Church in Crosslake, MN, and Friday, April 17th at 3:00PM at Mount Olivet Lutheran church, 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis. Visitation one hour prior for both services.