Gerald “Jerry” Dufault, 84, of Warren, MN, formerly of Argyle, MN, passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2019, in North Star Manor, Warren.
Gerald Dufault was born on January 30, 1935, in rural Argyle, to Arthur and Rose (Bergeron) Dufault. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and attended school in Argyle, before finishing up at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. He enlisted in the US Army on September 22, 1955 and served in both Japan and Korea. Upon his honorable discharge on August 28, 1957, Gerald returned home to farm with his family.
On October 28, 1961, Gerald was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Kaye Jose in St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stephen, MN. The two made their home in rural Argyle, where they raised their children and farmed together. Farming was Gerald's great love and he was proud to work the Dufault farm, first at his father's side and later at his sons'.
He enjoyed carpentry and woodworking in the winter months and especially loved the game of basketball; particularly watching his children and grandchildren play it in high school and college. Gerald was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Argyle American Legion. He also served on the Argyle scholarship board for many years.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Kaye; sons, Richard (Karen) Dufault, and David (Terri Beth) Dufault; twin daughters, Linda Anderson and Debra (David) Beiswenger; grandchildren, Amber, Austin, Zach, Amanda, Chris, Jeremy, Brian, Lynel, Andrew, Nicole, and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Oaklie, Kinsley, Kambree, Keagyn, Ryken, Riley Jo, Madison, Nicholas, Tevin, Justin, Raegan, Owen, Lucy, Brelee, Braylon, and Bryston; sisters, Fern Keohane, Donna (Bob) Heaney, June McFarland, and Marie Bellerud; in-laws, Judy (Denis) McGee, Jackie (Bruce) Chwialkowski, and Chuck (Lona) Jose; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Gary Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Thomas Koehane, Gordon McFarland, and Richard Bellerud.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be directed to the
North Valley Health Center Ambulance Service or Altru Hospice.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, March 1, 2019, at 10:30 AM, in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Argyle, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: St. Rose Catholic Cemetery, Argyle, MN.
MILITARY HONORS: Argyle American Legion, Post #353 and the Minnesota National Honor Guard.