Jerome "Jerry" W. Bolte

Jerome "Jerry" Bolte age 87 of Long Lake. Passed away Jan. 24. Jerry was born and raised on a farm in southern Minnesota, a mile from Ormsby, on June 16,1936, to William and Dorothy Bolte, the first of three children.  He attended grades 1 through 8 in a two-room school in Ormsby, and high school in St. James. He spent two years in the army and after that graduated with a degree in business from Mankato State University. After college he began his 37-year career as a salesman. First, with Hallmark Cards, then for 15 years with Vassarette/Munsingwear (including time as V.P. of Merchandising), and 18 years with Jantzen, selling Women's sportswear and swimwear to department stores and specialty shops.

He was a very nomadic soul, who was fortunate to travel extensively with his wife, Jo, to several European countries. After Jo returned home, he remained in Europe, making 8 one-week trips with Dutch flower exporters to their selling territories in France, Austria, Italy and England. The exporters sold flowers out of their tractor-trailer rigs to 40 to 50 flower shops. From an early age, Jerry was very interested in the trucking business, an interest that did not lead to a career.  His hobby for many years was building plastic model tractor trailers. He also took up painting in later years. Jerry had several volunteer gigs after retiring in 1998, including Big Brother-Little Brother, assisting 3rd grade teachers at north side schools for 15 years, assisting teachers at Hennepin County prison in Plymouth for two years, working with inmates. Several years with Interfaith Outreach retail stores, and 12 years as a friend to a resident of Hammer Residences. Jerry discovered jazz music at 18, while in the army, and has been a devoted listener and collector of jazz music ever since. He was a voracious reader, and enjoyed gardening. Lastly, he was a political junkie on the Democratic side.

Survived by Jo, his wife for 38 years, sons, Matthew (Gail) and David, Grandchildren, Griffin and Laine, step-daughter, Nancy Schrader (James), step-grandchildren, Brittany, John and Emily and also sister, Kay Groth, Preceded  in death by brother, Mike. Funeral service Tuesday Jan. 30th at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2060 County Rd 6, Long Lake, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Reception to follow at the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerome "Jerry" W. Bolte, please visit our floral store.