Gerald E. “Jerry” Drake, age 73 of Hastings MN, died on Wednesday, March 14th at Regina Assisted Living in Hastings. Jerry was born December 16, 1938 in Saint Paul MN to parents Richard Charles and Mildred Marie (Roberts) Drake. Jerry attended school in Saint Paul, and graduated from Johnson High. On February 17, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Kay McIntyre. Though their union in marriage would later dissolve, it was blessed with two daughters, Corinne and Julie.

Jerry worked for many years as a product designer with the 3M Corporation. Jerry’s creativeness, intelligence, and analytical skills made him an accomplished professional with numerous patents credited to his name. Jerry also enjoyed reading, listening to good Southern Gospel music, and handyman projects. Jerry had a love for Israel, and enjoyed his travels there. He also took to being a ‘snowbird’, traveling south to Florida and Arizona during winter months. Jerry will be missed by his family, and those who knew him well.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Corinne Burmester of New Richmond WI, and Julie (Jim) McKenzie of Hudson WI; former wife, Kay; grandchildren, Destiny Vensland, Hope (Jim) Persells, Dion Vensland, Danielle (David) Allenstein, and Alexis McKenzie; great-grandchildren, Riley and Erika; siblings, Anne (Arnold Orloff) Drake, and Ron (Nadene Carroll) Drake; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Jr.; son-in-law, Gary Burmester; and grandson Josiah. 

Memorial Services for Gerald “Jerry” Drake will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 17th at the Cornerstone Bible Church, 735 E. 10th Street in Hastings MN, with Pastor James Bzoskie officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church, and also from 4:00-7:00PM on Friday, March 16th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South 11th Street in Hudson WI. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI, and the Countryside Crematory. 715-386-3725