Gerald J. Justin
February 4, 1936 - December 12, 2007

"My dad was one of a kind! I am blessed to have had a dad that I loved so deeply and was loved so much in return. His love for our children, Ian and Anna, is one we will cherish forever. "Grandpa" made a hat rack for Ian and a beautiful doll crib for Anna. These are treasures they will always have as memories of their Grandpa."

"I was saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Justin. He was one of the best! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family."

"I only met Jerry towards the end, but he always made me smile. It was lovely to see your video tribute and see more of his life. My prayers are with you...God Bless"

"I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your dad. I have many fond memories of time spent at your house during those grade school years. Our thoughts are with your family during this very sad time."

"As a parent of a former student who was experiencing a tough time as a result of of the break up of his family, I want to say how much I appreciated Mr. Justin's tender, grounding effects that he had on my son. Having recently experienced the loss of my husband and the boys step-father to a valient fight against cancer, my heart goes out to your family at this time. May you all find comfort in your faith."

"Mr.Justin(Jerry)You will be sadly missed by all you have touched in your years of teaching, my heart goes out to your family on this great loss, but their memories of you will sustain them. Thanks For All You Gave!!!! "A Very Grateful Student""

"I had both Mr. and Mrs Justin for I think it was 4th grade, maybe 5th at Five Hawks Elementary in Prior Lake. I remember we took a field trip to their home. It was so nice of them to let all of us rug rats into their beautiful home. I am so sorry for your loss. Tracy C. Hein (Kaderlik)"

"Mrs. Justin, With heartfelt sympathies to your family. I have such fond memories of 6th grade math at Five Hawks Elem. May the Love of Jesus touch your hearts this CHRISTmas season. Blessings, Janet and family"

"Audrey and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I have such fond memories of both Jerry and Audrey with me being a new teacher in 1978 at Prior Lake. You both were and continue to be such a strong influence on me with your leadership and mentoring of myself and the rest of our "younger staff"."

"What a great tribute to Jerry. Happen to be crusing the Winona Daily News and saw the obituary. Our most sincere condolensces to the family and especially to Simone."

"It is with sadness, and fond memories that we extend our sympathy to you Audry and your family. Jerry will be remembered by a host of people whose lives he had touched. God Bless."

"Audrey & Family: Having the privilege of getting to know Jerry and yourself as Jason's daycare provider was wonderful...our families share a unique bond and lots of memories. We're so very sorry for your loss and please know that we're keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers."

"Jerry and Audrey were fellow teachers at Five Hawks my first years in Prior Lake 23 years ago. I remember those earliest years so fondly and it seemed we were able to balance work and fun so much thanks to people like you two. I still use Jerry's term 'kiddos' pretty much every day with my students in PL. You are remembered fondly Jerry and to Audrey and the kids, please find comfort in the wonderful memories you all have of the great person Jerry was."

"We remember Jerry's warmth and humor. Dick was also privileged to be a fellow teacher of the Justins at Prior Lake. Their son John was born one day after our son, Rick {who is now deceased}. Audrey and Doreen had the fun of sharing a hospital room at New Prague. Jerry's smile lit up the room at the arrival of his first son. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time."

"Jerry was a first class person. He always had a smile and time to have a conversation. Jerry was a mentor, friend and would always be there to help. It is hard to imagine all of the seeds he planted in those who were lucky enough to cross his path. Both Audrey and Jerry are two of our favorite people and we will be forever grateful for there their love and friendship."

"Being good friends with John Justin's family,we know how special Jerry was. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family."

"There are no words that can capture Jerry's true spirit. He was one of the most caring and giving people I have ever met. Audrey and Jerry will both be special in my life and memories forever because they showed me the true gift of friendship. As a young 21 year old teacher, they mentored me and showed me compassion and dedication in all they did. Jerry was there to kid with me and prod (not always gently) me when I needed it. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! "Big Eyes" (as Jerry always called me!)"

"Jerry was a great friend and a wonderful mentor to many over the years. We truly value the time we spent with Jerry (and Audrey) both in school and out."

"This is a sad day in our lives as we laid to rest a very good friend and almost a relative. We hold many wonderful memories of our AZ. getogethers as they were the life of the party. Any time Jerry and Audrey came into a room they lit it up. A more caring and gracious person I have yet to meet. He will certainly be missed but you have many good memories to hold on to and be proud of."

"Audrey and Family; The searing pain you all are experiencing as Jerry passes away from you physically is the price paid for loving him so deeply. As time begins to heal your broken hearts, the wonderful memories of Jerry will begin to seep in and fill you with the knowledge that he is but a thought away. May those warm and treasured thoughts help you to live in peace. In 1973 I began my 34 year tenure with the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. Jerry was a mentor and valued colleague who had the best interests of children and teachers at heart. He worked tirelessly to prepare children for the next phase in their lives. I am a far better teacher and person to have worked with such a fine educator and friend. Thank you for your thirty-five years of tireless teaching service to the students, staff, parents, and community members of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. May your memory live on with your family and those that you served and loved so deeply. Dean C. Davis"

"We will never forget the memories of planning and going on our wonderful Hawaiian vacation. The monthly get togethers to plan, the costumes, tricks, and the lovely note from the beautiful Hawaiian girl with the special lei. The times that Jerry would help us get our kids to Bonnie's house on icy roads. Jason's friendship with David (and our tagalong, Joe) has always been special. And of course, the cups of coffee before we started our school day in the 5 Hawks lounge. Those were the days.Friendship and love to all of you, David and Gloria Warner"

"Jerry always had a smile on his face. I enjoyed with other WSU friends the dances over in Wisconsin and the fun we had."

"To a friend who truly cared about you and was truthful in all facets of life. We will miss your humor and wit Jerry."

"We have so many happy memories of times with Jerry and Audrey since we all retired. We will never forget Jerry's smile and the laughter we all shared. We also won't forget the "quick contact" between Jerry's golf club and the ball! Our love to Julie, Jane, John and Jason and the rest of the Justin family. May God bless you and comfort you in your great loss. Love, Mike and Sharon"

"Jerry was my 6th grade teacher in 1963 and also my daughter's in 1990. My father passed away in October of my 6th grade year and I remember he came to the services and very sad he was for me. I still have the card he gave me with all my classmate's signatures on it. He helped and supported me through that difficult time in my life. He was truly a class act!!"

"After teaching for 10-11 years in another district, I got a para job in Prior Lake and I was placed in Jerry's room. He wasn't quite sure if he wanted me helping with any kiddos, so I got to correct a lot of papers and put up a bulletin board or two. It was his room and his students and he didn't want some new, whipper-snapper teaching his kids.He reminded me so much of my father, also an elementary teacher, so I knew beneath his "crustiness" was a soft, real guy with a sense of edgy humor. I was right. Over the years we have had many laughs and real hugs and some cries this summer . Here's to you, kiddo! Vacuum up a storm in heaven. Love and hugs to the Justins, Jill Kufrin"

"Audrey and Family, My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you now more than ever. It just plain stinks that Jerry was taken so early from you all. Hopefully, the flood of memories and stories will help some of the heartache. He always had something funny to say, had a great sense of humor, and a big hug the moment you stepped out of the car for a visit. He kept you on your toes. There was never a dull moment when Jerry was around. He had a way of making you feel included and important, which was very critical to a 6th grader!! He will surely be missed. My mom said it best...focus on the wonderful years you had with him, not one the ones you wont. Jerry- May there be and endless jar of Jolly Ranchers in heaven... Darcy"

"When Jerry and I would talk about our common roots from southern Minnesota, he would warmly refer to it as "God's country." How does heaven compare, Jerry? Peace to all your family."

"Jerry was many things in my life in the years we knew each other. The time - professionally - that stands out is the summer he and I worked on a science curriculum project together. He teased me about how I could out-drink him with coffee! Jerry was there for me when I made a Cursillo retreat through St. Michael's church in Prior Lake - and his comment to me afterwards was, "Wasn't that the best damn thing that ever happened to you?" Jerry was at my mother's funeral 11 years ago and warmed me with his presence. He and Audrey came to our kids' graduation parties to celebrate with us. He had our son in 6th grade. Jerry will be missed and his wonderful gifts will be forever cherished."

"I did not know Jerry, but I have heard wonderful things about him from other teachers in the district. Please know how sorry I am for your loss."

"Jerry was always one of my favorite people at school!! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Audrey and Jason, and your entire family. Jerry was a unique and special person!!"

"I remember being a young 21 year old substitute teacher in your team teaching room and the wonderful mentoring I received to begin my career. You, Audrey, along with Jerry were always so encouraging! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers."

"We dearly loved Jerry and have many great memories of him. He was a prince of a man."

"I remember teaching with Jerry in the trailers at the old jr. high. Jerry always made me feel so welcome. My thoughts and prayers go out to Audrey and her family at this time of sorrow and need. Jerry always brought a smile to everyone's face! Twylah Kohout"

"So sorry to hear about your dad. I can't imagine how many students he taught and helped along in life. He will be missed very much!"

"Jerry was a man of integrity. He was also full of fun and energy. I learned so much from him. I have so many fun memories of spending time with Jerry and Audrey. Audrey, you and your family, have and will continue to be in my prayers.Blessings, Sue"

"Jerry was an amazing teacher that touched the lives of many students. I learned so much from him and have so many great memories of his class. My thoughts and prayers are with Audrey and the entire family."

"What a great guy Jerry was! Rarely do we see a person who has so much passion for people and for teaching. He always put kids first! I'll never forget his concern for my oldest daughter, Tanya, when we discussed all the jobs she had during her teen years. He spent a lot of time shaking his head. It became a joke between us. We will all miss him in so many ways, yet he will live on in our memories. He touched so many lives. I extend my prayers to you."

"Uncle Jerry was a person of unfailing warmth and sensitivity. He made people feel that they mattered...that we were special. When I became a teacher in his school I was always very proud to be able to say that he was my uncle. I learned so much from him! Brett Favre: you are a lucky man. You'll now have a very, very special Packer fan sitting on your shoulder..."

"Dad's loss was not sudden, but is still painful for us all. It is wonderful to hear how many lives Dad touched in so many ways. Thank you all for your prayers since Dad was on so many people's thoughts and prayers during his battle with cancer. We miss you Dad."

"I watched the video on this website, and even though I haven't seen him in years, it saddens me think about how fast time really flies by and we don't even know it. It is obvious that he was a devoted family man and wonderful teacher. My thoughts are with all of you in this time of sorrow."

"I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry. Its been many years since I had him as a 6th grade teacher at Westwood Elementary but his kindness, caring, and life lessons are as fresh as yesterday. He truly taught what it meant to care for others through compassion, forgiveness, and humility. I have always had the upmost respect and admiration for him. I will never forget and always be grateful for the many ways he helped me personally. I wish you his fabulous family peace and healing."

"Jerry was such a fun guy, always joking and laughing. We will miss him. His family is in our prayers."