Jerry James Mentele

Jerry James Mentele, age 17, of Mankato, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.

Public gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7pm, Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary. Private service will be 11am, Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Hosanna Highland. Graveside service will follow at Minneopa Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and available at https://boxcast.tv/view/jerry-mentele-funeral-khtv7l1x9kjb9cdtgsr5

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) or to any Breast Cancer organization of your choice (Whenever Jerry wore pink, he did so in honor of every single one of his grandmothers). 

Jerry was born November 7, 2004, in St. Cloud. At the age of 9, Jerry was adopted by the Mentele family and moved to Mankato. He was a senior at Mankato West High School and worked at Papa Murphy’s. Jerry enjoyed cringy jokes, pizza, burgers, Star Wars, the Walking Dead, baseball, rollercoasters, watching football with his grandparents, and spending time with friends. He loved to play video games with his brother, Edward, and friends. Jerry liked to create special handshakes with people. Edward will always remember his brother’s funny sense of humor. Jerry cared deeply for others. His final act of love was to give the gift of life through organ, eye, and tissue donation. 

Jerry is survived by his parents, Lowra and Luke Mentele of Mankato; brother, Edward Mentele; half-brothers, Evan Bible and Raymond Tretter; grandparents, John and Linda Othoudt, Denny and Wanda Mentele, Glenn and Lisa Bible, and Julie Leraas; great-grandparents, Pam Betsinger, Darlene Walz, and Theresa Degan; aunts and uncles, Jason (Calena) Othoudt, Jenni Elwer, Wes (Carrie) Mentele, Jon (Dawn) Mentele, Joe Mentele, Jake (Anne) Bible, and Maddy Bible; and many cousins, extended, and chosen family. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his biological father, Joshua Bible; and great-grandfather, Jerry Betsinger. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the ISJ staff, Life source team, and the Mankato Police Department and Ambulatory Services.