Jerome Sand

Jerome A. "Jerry" Sand, age 79 of Freeport, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, September 25, 2014.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 29 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Family and friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Melrose Veterans Honor Guard will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Jerome Alphonse Sand was born September 26, 1934 in New Munich, Minnesota to Leo and Catherine (Thull) Sand. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. Jerry married the love of his life, Donna Winning on July 1, 1961 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. He farmed south of Albany until his retirement in 1998. He enjoyed playing his guitar, listening to music, dancing, watching baseball, farming, and John Deere tractors. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember his beautiful smile and joyous laughter when they would come to visit.

Jerry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose and the American Legion Post 101.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Donna Sand of Freeport; children, Tim (Sharon) Sand of Albany, Dan (Merci) Sand of Browerville, Patty (Doochie) Salzl of St. Martin, Kathy (Gary) Vouk of St. Joseph, Annette (Clayton) Stanlake of St. Cloud, Mike (Chrystal) Sand of New Munich, and Henry (Char) Sand of Melrose; 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joan, Maynerd, Bert, Marlene, Sylvie, Flo, and Jean.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Catherine Sand; parents-in-law, Richard and Marie Winning; daughters, Nancy, Margaret Ann, and Sandra Ann; grandson, Shawn Salzl; brothers, Eddie, Vern, and Ervin; sisters, Lucille and Pauline.

A special thank you to the St. Cloud Hospital staff, Dr. Marek, and the Albany Area Home Care Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Jerry.

Serving as casket bearers will be Steven Sand, Matthew Sand, Jason Sand, Jeff Salzl, Bradley Holmquist, Nathan Sand, Travis Sand, Neil Osendorf, and Devin Sand. Cross bearer will be Jessica Sand and scripture bearer will be Lindsay Sand. Mass servers will be Kyrsten Salzl, Brittany Sand, and Tanner Sand. Gift bearers will be Kloey Sand, Spencer Sand, and Ethan Sand. Readers will be Cassie Savelkoul and Nancy Salzl. Petitions will be read by Mackenzie Sand and Brittany Sand.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.