Gerald Rodney “Jerry” Lawrence, age 71 of Mountain Iron, died Friday, August 9, 2024 at Essentia-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. He was born July 16, 1953 in Duluth, the son of Warren and Doris (Freeman) Lawrence. Jerry was a graduate of Albrook High School, Mesabi Community College, and earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree from South Dakota State University. He was named to the 1st team All American for Mesabi and 2nd team for South Dakota State in Football; and was drafted by the Houston Oilers and also played some time with the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. Jerry married Debra Jean Lassila on August 23, 1980 in Virginia. He was employed as a School Counselor in Wells, MN, Gettysburg, SD, and Sauk Center prior to his lengthy career at the Chisholm School District, where he was a Counselor and later the High School Principal. During his educational career he coached football, basketball and track and field.  Jerry was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia and was inducted into the Mesabi Range Hall of Fame. He enjoyed golf, travel, coaching youth sports, snowmobiling, boating, gardening, cooking and entertaining, and time spent at the Lake 14 cabin. Jerry cherished time spent with his family and supported all their endeavors.

Jerry is survived by his wife of almost 44 years: Debbie; sons: Chris (Deanne) Lawrence of Hibbing, Jeremy Lawrence of Mountain Iron, and Kyle Lawrence of Virginia; grandchildren: Max and True; in-laws: Jim (Ellen) Lassila, Annette (Tim) Peterson, Nancy (Jack) Berland, and Tom Lassila; his siblings Rick Lawrence, Cheryl Lawrence and Dennis Anderson; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Bill, Kenny, Dan, Randy and sister Lori.

A Gathering time for family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2024 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The Memorial Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Father Daniel Hammer will be the celebrant. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia.

Memorials are preferred.

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