Jerry Wayne Roos

Jerry Wayne Roos was born March 19th, 1947, to Helen (Meints) and Bartel Roos in Luverne, MN. The family lived on the Meints farm and Jerry attended country school in Hardwick, MN. When he was in 4th grade the family moved to Cambridge, MN, after buying a farm. 

Jerry was his dad’s shadow in his dad’s repair shop, Roos & Sons. At age 14, Jerry started his first business, sharpening rotary blades for push lawn mowers. After graduating from Cambridge High School in 1965, Jerry attended St Cloud Technical College for Auto Mechanics and started working in auto glass shops. Jerry enlisted in the Army Reserves in the Cambridge Unit for 6 years.

While dancing at Fishlake Ballroom in 1966, he rekindled a friendship with Sally Schlipp, and a romance grew. April 19th, 1969, Jerry married Sally, and this union proudly welcomed 2 children, Randy and Tracy. Jerry and Sally bought a hobby farm in Kimball in 1974. Family activities were cutting wood, rock picking, farming, freezing corn & garden bounty, and spending time with neighbors that turned into life-long friends. Vacationing with his family was very important to Jerry. Whether it was in Wisconsin Dells water parks, Hawaii snorkeling, Costa Rica beach lounging and site seeing, or their multiple trips to Disney World, they made countless memories as a family.

In 1987, Jerry and Sally purchased Interstate Auto Glass, moving the family to Alexandria, MN. Randy also worked at the glass shop. Jerry and Sally worked hard and were able to retire at 50 years old. From there, their spirit of adventure took them an impressive number of places, as they traveled the world together.  Jerry never hid the fact that he hated winter, so in 1998, they spent their first winter in Texas, as well as the 21 winters that followed, where they made numerous friends, playing cards, games, and suppers out together. They had a blast dancing and socializing at themed parties and helping charities. Jerry and Sally are members of Alexandria Covenant Church, where they met friends and went on bus trips. They were also members of Vikingland Sam’s camping club and enjoyed the camaraderie of the fun group.  They loved watching their grandchildren’s events, whether it was a sporting event, play, concert or birthday party, they were there.  Jerry took pride in a well-kept yard and his grandkids have fond memories of riding the lawnmower with him. 

Jerry enjoyed carpentry and could always be counted on to help one of his kids with a project. He was an expert woodworker, building beautiful cabinets, rolltop desks, entertainment centers, bathroom vanities, hope chests, large dressers, night stands, wooden pepper mills, and later many wooden trucks & doll beds for the grandkids. He also enjoyed wood carving and made many gorgeous stained glass pieces. He loved the challenge and reward of creating something beautiful. This was very apparent in his life, where he and Sally took simple beginnings and grew it into an impressive life together. 

 Jerry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004 but wasn’t significantly affected until the last 6 years of his life. Even then, he handled it with grace.

Jerry’s legacy will be his kindness, humor, generosity and gentle spirit. He always had a smile, positive words or a witty one liner for you. He was always up for a delicious meal with good conversation AND dessert, he taught us that there is always room for ice cream! He had strong faith, wisdom and gave good advice, if asked. Jerry had a way of looking at life that made you feel lighter and happier. He was a loving husband, who truly treasured his wife. He was a caring son, who made his parents proud. He was the kind of father every kid dreams of having. And, he was an attentive grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. We are all better people for having known him. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Bartel, his brother Arlen, and his niece, Amanda Roos. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sally, his mother Helen Roos, Randy (Cindy) Roos, Tracy (John) Stigman, 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  

The family wishes to thank Pastor Donnelly and Pastor Opp, Knute Nelson Hospice, and the staff at Diamond Willow. 

In lieu of flowers a donation to St Jude is preferred. 

         Jerry W. Roos, of Alexandria, MN, died on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Diamond Willow in Alexandria at the age of 76 years old.

           A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 11 AM at the Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria with Pastor Gregg Donnelly officiating.  

           Interment will be in Kinkead Cemetery.