Jerry V. Tuma, 90

Jerry V. Tuma, 90, of Northfield, died on Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the Northfield Care Center in Northfield.

Jerry was born on March 26, 1915, to Thomas and Rose (Skluzacek) Tuma at Lonsdale. He attended school in Lonsdale and farmed on the family farm for his mother.

He married Bessie Barta on August 22, 1939, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale. They farmed until 1972 when they moved to Faribault where Jerry worked as a custodian at the Faribault Manor for 14 years. After his retirement, he helped Bessie at Erickson’s Furniture Store and in 2001 they moved to Northfield.

Jerry was a member of the church of St. Dominic, the Knights of Columbus in Faribault and the Catholic Workman. He enjoyed bird watching, visiting with people and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bessie; three daughters, Bernice (Lawrence) Rezac, Webster, Carol (Vern) Hrdlicka, Le Center, Karen Simonette, Edina; 11 grandchildren, Larry (Sandy) Rezac, Fred (Theresa) Rezac, Barb (Tom) McCabe, Beverly (Joe) Pumper, Jennifer Rezac, Susie (Glenn) Brehmer, Carrie Holicky, Lloyd Hrdlicka, Kurt Simonette, Kim (Peter) Johansson, Kyle (Britt) Simonette; 28 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Emma Tuma, Lonsdale; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald; two grandsons, Steven and Martin Rezac; three sisters, Mary Sirek, Christine Svoboda and Sister Emiline Tuma; four brothers, Joe, John, Tom and Emil Tuma.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, at the church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Rev. Dennis Dempsey officiated.

Pallbearers were Lloyd Hrdlicka, Danny, Fred and Larry Rezac, Kyle and Kurt Simonette.

Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church. A prayer service was held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale.