Obituary for Gerald Melvin Fiedler
Gerald “Jerry” Melvin Fiedler, of Grantsburg, WI passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the age of 84.
Jerry was born on June 20, 1937, to parents Melvin and Marcella (Meier) Fiedler in Prescott, WI where he spent his childhood and early adult years on the Fiedler family farm.
Following his graduation from Prescott High School, Jerry began work at Northern Manufacturing in Prescott, WI. During this time, he also started an important new chapter as he met his wife, Norma (Peterson), and they began their life together—one filled with love, adoration, and devotion. They married in 1958 and started a family.
In 1960, Jerry decided to begin his career in the automotive industry; first at Prescott gas station, then Weber Ford (formerly Livingston Ford) in Hastings, MN, where he worked his way up to a car salesman. As his career progressed, he and his family moved from Hastings, MN and relocated to a small hobby farm in River Falls, WI.
After 17 years of learning every aspect of the car business, Jerry was ready to follow his dream—and a Ford dealership in Grantsburg, WI was available. In June of 1977, he and his family moved from River Falls, WI to Grantsburg, WI to open Fiedler Ford, Inc., his pride and joy, right in the heart of downtown.
Throughout his more than 40 years owning and operating Fiedler Ford, Jerry became an integral part of the community in Grantsburg and neighboring communities. He took pride in his work and valued the relationships and friendships he built throughout the years. Jerry extended a constant welcome to the community he loved which he displayed with “Hi” mowed in the grass, greeting all to Grantsburg.
Jerry was a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church and the Rotary Club. In 1987, he began the still-standing tradition of the Fiedler Ford Car Show during the annual Big Gust Days to bring together the community to share in his love of classic cars.
As many know, Jerry was an avid collector of model farm toys (mostly John Deere) and classic cars (Fords). These collections spoke to his enthusiasm for preserving and sharing memories with others. Although Jerry had many passions throughout his life, he was always most eager to spend time with and share stories about his family.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger; and son, Terry. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Norma; sons, Tim (Laura), Kevin (Cheryl), Kraig (Julie); grandchildren, Kate (Bryant) Johnson, Joe (Bri) Fiedler, Sarah Fiedler, Melissa Fiedler, Allie (Matt) Hallstrom, Kelsey Fiedler, Holly Fiedler, Faith Fiedler; great-granddaughters, Blakely and Adelyn Johnson; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 2:00 PM (visitation 12:00 - 2:00 PM) at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.
Jerry was born on June 20, 1937, to parents Melvin and Marcella (Meier) Fiedler in Prescott, WI where he spent his childhood and early adult years on the Fiedler family farm.
Following his graduation from Prescott High School, Jerry began work at Northern Manufacturing in Prescott, WI. During this time, he also started an important new chapter as he met his wife, Norma (Peterson), and they began their life together—one filled with love, adoration, and devotion. They married in 1958 and started a family.
In 1960, Jerry decided to begin his career in the automotive industry; first at Prescott gas station, then Weber Ford (formerly Livingston Ford) in Hastings, MN, where he worked his way up to a car salesman. As his career progressed, he and his family moved from Hastings, MN and relocated to a small hobby farm in River Falls, WI.
After 17 years of learning every aspect of the car business, Jerry was ready to follow his dream—and a Ford dealership in Grantsburg, WI was available. In June of 1977, he and his family moved from River Falls, WI to Grantsburg, WI to open Fiedler Ford, Inc., his pride and joy, right in the heart of downtown.
Throughout his more than 40 years owning and operating Fiedler Ford, Jerry became an integral part of the community in Grantsburg and neighboring communities. He took pride in his work and valued the relationships and friendships he built throughout the years. Jerry extended a constant welcome to the community he loved which he displayed with “Hi” mowed in the grass, greeting all to Grantsburg.
Jerry was a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church and the Rotary Club. In 1987, he began the still-standing tradition of the Fiedler Ford Car Show during the annual Big Gust Days to bring together the community to share in his love of classic cars.
As many know, Jerry was an avid collector of model farm toys (mostly John Deere) and classic cars (Fords). These collections spoke to his enthusiasm for preserving and sharing memories with others. Although Jerry had many passions throughout his life, he was always most eager to spend time with and share stories about his family.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roger; and son, Terry. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Norma; sons, Tim (Laura), Kevin (Cheryl), Kraig (Julie); grandchildren, Kate (Bryant) Johnson, Joe (Bri) Fiedler, Sarah Fiedler, Melissa Fiedler, Allie (Matt) Hallstrom, Kelsey Fiedler, Holly Fiedler, Faith Fiedler; great-granddaughters, Blakely and Adelyn Johnson; many nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 2:00 PM (visitation 12:00 - 2:00 PM) at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.