Gerald Michael Rand of Somerset WI was tragically taken from earth and re united with his mother the night of June 1st 2022 when his vehicle was struck broadside by a drunk driver. Jerry was born the 24th of June 1999 at United Hospital in Saint Paul Minnesota to his parents George Michael and Lisa Kay Rand. Brother to Samantha Rae (Rand) and Luke William Bensend, Uncle to Lyle William Bensend.
Jerry graduated from Somerset High School in 2017, and proceeded to continue his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Supply Chain Management in December of 2021. Jerry started his career as a Product Planner for Graco Incorporated in January of 2022. Jerry’s dedication and passion to his work and the production team that he led was something he prided himself on.
Shorty, Jerry, Jer, held so many names to so many people its hard to list them all, but he wore each name with pride, and dedicated himself to whatever role fit his name that day. He was a son, brother, grandson, uncle, best friend, team mate, outdoorsman, and boyfriend to a few of you lucky ladies. Jerry loved being out on the court, and racing down the field under those Friday night lights more than anyone. He was proud to be a part of a team and he prided himself on being the best member of a team that he could be; even when times were tough. Jerry took that same dedication and hard work to the outdoors; he loved to fly down the river in the nose of a duck boat, sway in the breeze in a tree stand, and get a line wet with his Dad. Above all else Jerry was a gentleman, always humble and kind. He was the light in room, the laugh in the background, and had a smile that will forever be remembered.
Services for Jerry was held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New Richmond Wisconsin (365 West River Drive New Richmond WI 54017). The visitation was held Friday July 1st from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and followed by the funeral services on Saturday July 2nd at 11:00am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Following the funeral services the family would like to invite everyone to Celebrate the Life of Jerry at his sister and brother’s home outside New Richmond. The stories are endless and the lives Jerry touched in his nearly twenty- three years are countless, please join us to share those memories once again.
Cremation Services provided by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services
9 Comments
My deepest thoughts and sympathy to the Rand family and friends.
So sad to hear of this. I am a fellow co-worker at Graco and although we didn’t work directly together I remember his smiling face. What a tragedy. Great tribute to a fine young man and a life well lived.
I only had the opportunity to talk to him once. He was so intelligent and kind. Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in my heart. May he rest in peace.
Jerry joined my Graco product training classes when he first starting working here. After the training finished, he would stop by my lab periodically to ask follow up questions or just say hello. Whenever he stopped by he would be smiling from ear to ear. It was quite evident Jerry valued getting to know people. It was also easy to see that Jerry lived life to the fullest. I am very grateful to have been able to call Jerry my friend.
Wanted to express my condolences to Jerry’s father, family, and many friends. Like so many people at Graco, I met and worked only briefly with Jerry. But like others, saw an enthusiastic, bright, and especially kind young man – a star amongst us that left a great impression on us all.
Jerry was a very nice boy – always smiling and always kind. I was his confirmation and Sunday School teacher at St. Luke’s. My heart hurts for your loss.
(PART 1 – I see this only allows short blurbs so I have to break this up, sorry)
Dear Family and Friends of Jerry, whom we knew as “Cowboy”. Jerry worked as a co-op at Greenheck Fan Corporation in the Logistics department from January through September 2020. He was a bright soul that continually brought us joy through his many stories of hunting, fishing and cars and expressed genuine concern for his fellow coworkers. He was a hard worker. He filed many freight claims for us and led a project to create a photo file for crated products here at our National Distribution Center. It seemed that he took time to learn a little about every employee he interacted with during his short tenure with us.
(PART 2)
Jerry and I talked mainly about vehicles and music. On one particular occasion, I mentioned to him our household was SUV shopping. He started asking questions about what size and type we were interested in and other details and it was clear he was keenly interested, which I appreciated. Then a few days later, out of the blue, I received an email from him, with a report/summary of some of the best vehicles out there in that class. I was amazed he took time to do that for me. I can’t remember if I told him, but he would have been glad to know thanks to his research we settled on a 2017 Nissan Rogue SL, purchased in October 2020. May I express my deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time. He will always be remembered in our hearts here at Greenheck. – Sincerely, Jeffrey Kostecki
Thoughts and prayers for each and everyone of you. Such a nice wonderful young man.
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