Gerald "Jerry" Haskins , 76, Minot, formerly of Sherwood and Kenmare, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in Minot Hospital.

Jerry was born July 20, 1935 on the family farm near Sherwood, ND, the son of Walter and Hazel (Smith) Haskins. He was raised on the farm and educated at Sherwood, graduating from Sherwood High School in 1953. He attended NDSU for one year and then was united in marriage to Betty Lindberg on June 3, 1955 at Kenmare.

They made their home on the farm near Sherwood and moved into Sherwood and later Kenmare, while they continued to farm throughout the years. In 1983, they moved to Minot, where Jerry began a lengthy career in 1987 with Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants as a representative. He continued with the company up to his death.

Jerry was a longtime member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. He was also a member of the Souris Valley Kidney Foundation, having been a recipient of a kidney from both of his daughters.

Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and grandkids. However, his most special times were spent with family and friends, most notably the pontoon rides at Strawberry Lake.

Jerry's loving family includes: wife of fifty-six years, Betty; children: Shelley (Garry) Fritel, Laurel, MT; Janelle (Tim) Michelsen, Bismarck, ND; Todd (Lisa) Haskins, Minot, ND; grandchildren: Mac, Marty (Kelly), Mindy & Mitchell Haskins, Michael Gregoire; Garth & Nick Fritel; Billy & Tasha Michelsen; Trail, Tate & Tia Haskins; great-grandchildren: Sophia, Gabriel and Piper; mother, Hazel Haskins, Bismarck; brothers, Curt Haskins, Polson, MT; Art (Karen) Haskins, Bismarck; sister, Betty (Don) Heramb, Dalles, Oregon; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father; son, Terry; infant son, Timothy and an infant daughter.

Mass of Christian Burial : Monday, March 19, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in St. John's Catholic Church.

Vigil Prayer service: Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Visitation : Sunday from Noon-4:00 pm. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials will go to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Compassionate Friends and the Minot Baseball Association.