Jerome H. Jorstad

Jerome H. Jorstad, 93 of La Crescent, MN went to his heavenly home while surrounded by his loving wife and family on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. He was born in rural La Crosse on November 14, 1922 to Peter and Lily (Bruemmer) Jorstad. In 1941, he married Luana G. Hill and they later divorced. In 1950 he married Dorothy M. Albrecht in Iowa. She preceded him in death after 52 years of marriage. He married Lenora Stoehr in 2004 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Jerome had proudly served his country during World War II in the Army Air Corps and was a charter member of the Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 La Crescent.

Living with his family near Lock and Dam #7 gave Jerome the perfect opportunity to start Jorstad’s Boat Livery. Commercial fishing on the Mississippi and selling minnows helped support the family business. Later when they moved to La Crescent, the business expanded into Jorstad’s Sporting Goods and Hokah Bait Company. Together with his son Brian, they further expanded the bait business by working the lakes out in the Montgomery, MN area. Jerome also served as past president of the Minnesota Bait Dealers Association and as an instructor for Minnesota DNR game wardens.

Upon retirement he moved back to La Crescent to be near his family. One of dad’s favorite pastimes was spending time with his sons in the woods of Fort McCoy. Jerome taught his sons the art of bow hunting for deer with a deep respect for animals and the outdoors. He became a dedicated, loyal fan and supporter of La Crescent High School and American Legion sports programs earning “Fan of the Year” distinction and receiving a State championship ring presented to him by the team. “They were all my boys and I was so proud of them”. On his 90th birthday, the mayor declared November 14th Jerome Jorstad Day in La Crescent.

In addition to his wife Lenora of La Crescent, he is survived by his children; Joyce Ann (Sam) Johnson of Orange, CA, Roger Jorstad of Caldwell, ID, Doug (Diane) Jorstad of Holmen, WI, Brian Jorstad of Hokah, MN, Bruce (Kathy) Jorstad of Holmen, WI, Jeff (Laura) Jorstad of La Crosse, WI, Kim (Jim) Czechowicz of La Crescent, MN; 18 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. In addition to his wives Luana and Dorothy, he was preceded in death by one grandson, one brother, one sister and a daughter in law.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, May 2, 2016 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 414 Main St., La Crescent. Pastor Chris Christenson will officiate. Burial with military rites by the Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 will be in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call on the family Sunday evening from 4 until 7 pm at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crescent chapel; 111 South Oak St. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Evangelical Lutheran Church Debt Retirement, American Legion Post 595 or Onalaska Luther High School Music Department.