Gerald "Jerry" Blaine Eken

Gerald “Jerry” Blaine Eken, 74 of Mankato, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning, July 22, 2017, at his home.

A private family service will be held at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary and burial will follow at Minneopa Cemetery with full military honors. A public Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held from 3-6pm, Friday, July 28, 2017 at Minneopa Golf Club. Please share a memory of Jerry with his family and view his video tribute online at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Jerry was born April 20, 1943 in Hatton, ND to Benard and Myrtle (Sorlien) Eken. He graduated from Hatton High School in 1961.  He attended Mayville State College then enlisted in the United States Airforce from 1963-1966.  He was stationed in Spokane, Washington, where he met his wife, Shirley Davidson.  They were married on February 19, 1965.  Jerry was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1966 and attended The North Dakota State Technical College in Wahpeton, North Dakota.  He graduated in 1968 as a Civil Engineering Technician. They moved to the cities and then to Mankato in 1970. For 31 years, Jerry worked as a senior engineer technician and street superintendent for the city of Mankato. He was a member of the Mankato Elk’s Lodge 225 and served as the Exalted Ruler from 1989-1990.  He was also a member of the American Legion, Key City Conservation, Bend of River Deerhunters Association, and numerous other associations and clubs. Jerry was a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Shirley Eken of Mankato; son, Michael Eken of Mankato; daughter, Michelle (Alex) Schlaak of Mankato; grandchildren, Ava Morris-Eken, Kason Morris, and Kylie Silverthorn Eken .

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Patricia Eken Wenass, Shirley Eken Stenmo, brothers-in-law, Thorman Stenmo and Charles Wenass; and nephew, Thomas Stenmo.