"I would like to express my condolences to the Alborn family. I have fond memories of your family from my time at Elton Hills school. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "
In loving memory of
Gerald "Jerry" Alborn
February 1, 1940 - July 23, 2020
Gerald (Jerry) Alborn passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the age of 80 after a long journey with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Perry, Iowa and graduated from high school in Yale, Iowa. Gerald then moved to Rochester, began working in the Radiology department at Mayo Clinic in 1957, and married Marion Masek in 1961.
Gerald volunteered to serve in the United States Army at Fort Polk Louisiana from 1962 to 1964, and he continued to work in X-ray in the Army. After returning to Rochester with Marion, Gerald continued his military service in the Army Reserve in Rochester, and he also returned to working at Mayo Clinic in the Radiology department as a radiologic technologist until his retirement in December 1994. After his retirement from Mayo Clinic, Gerald worked for several years at the Rochester Public Library.
Gerald and Marion enjoyed traveling together with their children and later with each other. They traveled in North America, including Hawaii, and in Europe. Gerald also loved being outdoors during his leisure time, hiking in the woods in public parks and on public lands, and driving along the backroads of the Mississippi River Valley. He was especially interested in the unglaciated driftless area of southeastern Minnesota and the topography of river channels.
Following the devastating flood in Rochester in July 1978, Gerald became an active member of the Rochester citizens advisory committee (headed by Harry Buck, then Quarry Hill Nature Center director) for the city's flood control project. Gerald's work on the citizens advisory committee included flood control planning details with government agencies, as well as committee efforts to persuade the Rochester community of the need for flood control improvements to the city. In the 1980s, a Rochester sales tax was approved for local funding of the project, and Congress approved federal funding for the project too. The project work was completed in the 1990s, and it still helps to protect the Rochester community from flooding today.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marion, son Eric (Mark Johnson) Alborn of Middleton, Wisconsin, daughter Amy (Matthew) Youngstrom and grandsons Andrew and Nicholas of Edina, Minnesota, and brother Joseph Alborn of San Marcos, California. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Matilda Alborn, brother James Alborn, and sister Patricia Wren.
A private funeral is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for any gifts to be made to Zumbro Lutheran Church in memory of Gerald.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Alborn family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Marion and family, it was wonderful to know you and Jerry as next door neighbors for so many years. We fondly remember how Jerry loved to walk and know he will be missed by many friends and loved ones. "
"We would like to express or condolences to the Alborn family. We are thinking of you in your time of grief after Jerry's passing. Mark and Susan O'Neill"
"Dear Marion and Family, So sorry to hear of Gerry passing. Please know that we send our love and prayers to you all. Sharon & Bob Woodfill "
"On behalf of Eric?s Network Applications team and colleagues, we would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Jerry Alborn. Based on our knowledge of Eric and his person, we can only fathom how great of a father, husband, friend, and colleague Jerry was in his lifetime. The impact he made will be remembered for years to come and will live on in fond memories of those individuals he touched. Your family is in each and every one of our thoughts and we can only wish the best during this time of mourning."
"Aunt Marion, Eric, Amy and families, so sorry to hear that Uncle Jerry passed. Lots of memories of your visiting Mom and Dad and us girls in Des Moines and later you visiting Mom, Dad and myself in Arizona. Mom always liked calling her brother and would inform us what was going on with your family. I missed your visits when you were no longer able to travel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love you & will miss Uncle Jerry. Wishing you strength and peace during this time. Judy Wren"
"So sorry, Marion, to hear of Jerry's passing. Sounds like you two had a good life traveling and family life. My hugs and prayers to you and your family. "
"Dear Marion and family, we are so sorry to hear about Jerry. Please know we are thinking of you, praying for you and wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Margaret & Darwin Kuhlman."
"Marion and Family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jerry was always such a gentle person with a ready smile. May God provide you with comfort in the days? ahead. Our working relationship goes back many years, Marion, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Clayton & Jackie Moen"