Jerald "Jerry" Owen Hendershot, 86, lifelong Minot resident, died Thursday, June 14, 2018 in his home.

Jerry was born February 24, 1932 in Minot, North Dakota, the son of Chauncey and Inga (Stolpestad) Hendershot. He was raised and educated in Minot and attended Minot Model High School. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on February 1, 1951 and honorably served his country until January 16, 1954.

Jerry was united in marriage to Darlene Hoellinger on June 30, 1956 in Minot. They made their home in Minot, where he was employed with MDU as a pipefitter for 21 years. He then worked for the City of Minot as a mechanical inspector for 21 years, until he retired. He later worked with his son, Dave, in the warehouse at Main/Holmes Electric for almost ten years, until his passing. He ran a tight ship and was known for his colorful nicknames for co-workers, when he couldn't remember their names. The love-of-his-life, Darlene, passed away on December 1, 2015. He missed her dearly.

Jerry was a charter member of Little Flower Catholic Church, where he served on the Council and various other church boards throughout the years. He was also a member of the Minot American Legion, Minot Moose Lodge, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed spending time with Darlene at their cabin on Lake Audubon. Every July 4th, Jerry would water-ski around the lake in his jean cut-offs and old straw hat, waving an American flag. He loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they loved being with him. Family was most important to him.

Woodworking was a favorite hobby of Jerry's. He could fix almost anything. He enjoyed family trips to watch the Minnesota Twins and rarely missed a game on TV. He looked forward to casino trips and playing pinochle. He could beat most opponents on his favorite shuffleboard table. He loved his time on the golf course with his brother, Dick. Jerry and Dick spent as much time golfing as they did looking through the woods for abandoned golf balls. He was an avid gardener. He had lots of good times hunting and fishing. Jerry was a story-teller and people would laugh until crying, as he told his version of real-life events. Through his example, Jerry taught his family to be truly grateful for all of life's moments, big or small.

Dilly, dilly!

His loving family includes : his children, Robert (Stacey) Hendershot, West Palm Beach, FL, Dennis Hendershot, Las Vegas, NV, Debra (Larry) Gebur, Lincoln, IL, David (Kelly) Hendershot & Pamela (Blake) McKay, both of Minot, ND; grandchildren, Corey Hendershot, Braden (Lisa) Hendershot, Jordan (Heather Workman) Hendershot, Camille Gebur, Chauncy (Kelly) Hendershot, Seth Hendershot, Abbie McKay & Brett McKay; great-grandchildren, Gage Gebur, Charlie, Emmy, & Lauren Hendershot, Abram & Penelope Hendershot, Adalyn & Jace Hendershot; siblings, Richard (Darlene) Hendershot, Minot, June Tovey, Lawry City, MO, Delores (Allan) Goodwin, Apache Junction, AZ, Donald (Amy) Hendershot, Sherwood, ND, and Eva (Tony), Lawry City, MO; sisters-in-law, Eileen Skowronek, Minot, ND and Donna Hott, The Villages, FL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Darlene; son, Ronald; grandson, Ronald Gebur; sister, Marlys Zimmer.

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Therese, Church of the Little Flower, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service : Monday, June 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.
Visitation: Monday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home and from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Church.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Bishop Ryan Catholic School, Minot, or charity of your choice.