Gerald Duane “Jerry” Bodas, age 82 of Palo died Friday, June 21, 2024 in his home, of natural causes. He was born November 6, 1941 in Virginia, the son of Arthur and Turna (Harju) Bodas, was a 1959 graduate of Gilbert High School, and graduated from Dunwoody Institute. Jerry married Rita Paulette Hermanson on September 29, 1962 in Biwabik.  They made their home in Duluth, and Fairbanks, AK prior to returning to Minnesota in 1996. He served honorably in the US Army National Guard for 6 years. He was employed by Minnesota Power as a lineman and after moving to Fairbanks, was employed by Golden Valley Electric Association also as a lineman. Later, Jerry would become a telephone cable splicer for Fairbanks Municipal Utilities System. He was a member of the IBEW Local 1547 and the Gold Stream Valley Lion’s Club. Jerry had a lifetime passion for curling, was an avid tinkerer, played the guitar, enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and was an animal lover.

            Gerald is survived by his wife: Rita; daughters: Rebecca (Dale) Ekmark of Angora and Rachel Bodas of Virginia; granddaughters: Morgan (Ethan) Powell of Chamberlain, SD and Devan Ekmark of Minnetonka; great granddaughters Blake and Aerin Powell; siblings: Jackie (Pat) Bodas of Idaho, Connie Bodas of Minnesota, and Sandy (John) Wells of Hoyt Lakes; Sister-in -Law Mary Bodas of Hibbing and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Clarence Bodas, James Bodas, and Irene Ishmael.

            The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024 at Peace United Methodist Church in Virginia. Pastor Rob Kopp will officiate. A Gathering Time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.

            Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .