text: Gerald (Jerry) A. Pergande
  January 14, 1949 – March 25, 2017
  Gerald Arnold (Jerry) Pergande, longtime Owasso resident, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Tulsa at the age of 68. Jerry was born January 14, 1949, to Arnold William and Erma Marie (Schoening) Pergande in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It was there that he was raised and received his education, graduating high school with the class of 1967. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country honorably. In 1979, Jerry graduated from Moorhead State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He moved to Oklahoma in 1980; and on January 1, 1983, he was united in marriage to Paula Daniel in Fergus Falls. He and Paula had made their home in Owasso for the past 36 years. Jerry was raised in the Lutheran faith, and was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He retired from American Airlines in 2012 where he had been a project engineer. In his leisure time, Jerry enjoyed hunting and spending time on the farm in Minnesota with his dogs. He was also passionate about his work at American Airlines and loved airplanes.
  Those that survive and hold many cherished memories are his wife Paula of Owasso; brother Allen Pergande and wife Mary of Gilbert, Arizona; two aunts, Esther Drechsel and husband Elwin and Doris Schoening all of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; and sister-in-law Judith Howard of Pryor, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece Karisti.
  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Jerry will then be taken back to Fergus Falls for services and burial there. Local arrangements were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. Minnesota services will be under the direction of the Olson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls. www.moweryfs.com
  Jerry always greeted everyone with a warm gentle smile. Our friendship stretched over a quarter century working in commercial aircraft maintenance and engineering and was always impressed with his meticulous planning skills. We shared many delightful conversations and laughs regarding stories of Minnesota humor and funny stories from "A Prairie Home Companion," produced by Garrison Keillor, American author, storyteller, and humorist. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
  — Marvin Henderson, Sunday – March 26, 2017
  Jerry and I formed an instant friendship in 1986 when we first met while working for AA. Over the years we worked on many projects together both at the base and around the country. I'll always have great memories of the motorcycle trips we took over the years. Jerry was truly a great guy and will be missed by all those who knew him. Goodby my friend and thank you for allowing me to have the honor of knowing you.
  — Dustin Meyer, Sunday – March 26, 2017
  Jerry P – What can I say???
  I knew Jerry P in the "good old days" at American
  Jerry P trained me
  Jerry P taught me everything about Returning Aircraft off Lease and Sale Aircraft
  Jerry P was patient with me
  Jerry P was kind to me
  Jerry P worked side by side with me
  Jerry P had the uncanny ability to smile at a customer so sweetly when they would ask for something really "stupid". . . Funny but Jerry P forgot to teach me THAT
  Before you start thinking I thought Jerry P was perfect; let me tell you
  Jerry P failed at something
  Jerry P failed at something very important
  Jerry P failed to tell me how hard it would be without him
  Jerry P failed to tell me how to deal with a broken heart
  Jerry P did; however, teach me about friendship
  Jerry P was my friend
  Enjoy Minnesota in the Sky, Jerry P!!
  — Kathie Thompson, Sunday – March 26, 2017
  Fond memories of a kind and generous man. May you rest in peace my friend.
  — Dianne Barnett, Monday – March 27, 2017
  Jerry was a great co-worker. His stories were always great to hear. I'd ran into him a few times since his retirement and he was always so happy to see a familiar face from AA. RIP Jerry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
  — Karen McElhaney, Monday – March 27, 2017
  I will always remember Jerry as a kind soul who was willing to help in any way he could. He was unafraid to share his knowledge and he helped me on many occasions. I respected him and it was a privilege to know him. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends he left behind.
  — Lisa Conrad, Monday – March 27, 2017
  Jerry – what a gentleman. Always enjoyed his stories of his service in the U.S. Air Force during Viet Nam. God speed my friend.
  — Skeeter Brock, Monday – March 27, 2017
  Jerry and I worked together for many years, both at Rockwell and American Airlines. We would solve the world's problems over lunch almost daily. He was a kind, generous soul. I will miss him dearly.
  — Terry Eaton, Tuesday – March 28, 2017
  Jerry was at American Airlines hen I arrived in 1989. At least that's how I remember it. In Planning. He was always here. Always kind, always calm. Always….. He took care of retiring aircraft. He helped me to figure out how to maneuver within all the processes to get things done. Always patient….. He went through life, like the rest of us, with good times and bad, at work and home….. He was "real". And missed……. Thanks for your support and friendship, Jerry. Fly high……
  — Terri Blair Hinrichs, Wednesday – March 29, 2017
  Jerry was one of the first people I met in Planning at American. Very kind, patient and always smiling. Never a cross word heard from this gentle soul and excellent at his job. God-Speed, Jerry….see you in Heaven!
  — Carol Petrucci, Wednesday – March 29, 2017
  Phone: 218-736-7586
  22083 County Road 10
  Note: The family requests in lieu of flowers that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.