Jerry Emmit Demaree, 82, longtime Minot resident, died Tuesday, July 16, 2019 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Jerry was born March 20, 1937 in Roach, North Dakota the son of Rex and Margaret (Matzdorf) Demaree. He was raised in Minot and educated in Minot Schools. He entered into active duty service with the USAF on August 3, 1954 and honorably served his country at Bentwaters Air Force Base in England. It was here that he met Sheila Roberts and they were united in marriage on November 2, 1957. They loved and cherished each other, were partners in every way and shared many laughs and good times together. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1958, they returned to North Dakota.

They made their home in Minot, where he purchased Rex's Auto Wrecker from his father and owned and operated the business until 1992. He was later employed with A-1 Transmission in Minot from 1992-2000 and then with Westlie Motor Company in parts delivery. Sheila died February 21, 2016.

Jerry was a man dedicated to his community.  He was a longtime member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Minot, where he had served as moderator, deacon, usher and was active with the bell choir. He was also a member of the Minot Moose Lodge, where he served as governor and was a member of the ritual team for 23 years. He attained the status of Pilgrim Degree, the highest honor obtainable within the organization. He had also served as Association President for both North Dakota and South Dakota. He was a former member of the Minot American Legion, Elks Lodge and Eagle's Aerie. He enjoyed traveling, camping and snowmobiling.

Jerry will be missed by : his children, Jan (Larry) Abel, Williston, Dawn (Dean) Godejohn, Minot, Sarah Collins, Santa Maria, CA and Andrew Demaree, Minot; 6 grandchildren to include: Laurel Abel, Amanda Eichman, Tonya Cordova, Natasha Rauchman, Ashley Wald and Jessica Hovda; 11 great grandchildren; siblings, David (April) Demaree, Minot and Billy (Maggie) Demaree, Bismarck; sister in law, Marlene Demaree, Minot; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 59 years, Sheila; grandson, Joshua Abel; great grandson, Austin Rauchman; sisters, June Flemmer and Donna Demaree; and a brother, John Demaree.

Funeral service: Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Congregational United Church of Christ.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, July 23 ^rd from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Congregational United Church of Christ or Moose Lodge, both Minot.
Dad, it is now time to rest. Give mom a big hug from each one of us and we will see you both when our time comes.

Jerry Demaree Flowers