Gerry Herringer

Gerral (Gerry) Herringer passed away peacefully on June 9, 2023, with his loving wife MaryAnn (Johnson) and family at his side. Gerry was born November 20, 1934, to Chet and Vivian (Zahrendt) Herringer, and grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and Columbia Heights, where he remained a lifelong resident. Gerry attended Columbia Heights High School, where he served as all-class president and played football and basketball. There he met his future wife MaryAnn Johnson. After graduating in 1952, Gerry attended the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in civil engineering in 1957. Gerry and MaryAnn were married on May 18, 1957. Shortly thereafter he joined the family-owned Herringer Companies, working alongside his parents and, more recently, son Zachary. The company's business ventures ranged from construction and excavation, to movie theaters, real estate, and race horses. Gerry continued to work until the end and was fortunate to have Robert (Pete) Peterson as his right-hand man and valued friend for over 60 years. During his long career, he was known for his impeccable integrity in business and his wise counsel. Gerry's life was grounded in decades of service to the city of Columbia Heights and the community. A true believer in civic engagement, he served as a member of the Columbia Heights Police Commission, the Columbia Heights Economic Development Association, Chamber of Commerce, and RISE. Gerry took particular pride in his involvement in and generous support for the Columbia Heights High School Alumni Scholarship Foundation, which endows academic scholarships for talented students. In addition, he was active in the Minnesota Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association and a longtime member of Salem Covenant Church. He lived with generosity, enthusiasm and gratitude. Gerry enjoyed fishing and hunting duck and pheasant with his father, son and decades-long best friend James O'Hagan, as well as spending time at the cabin in Northern Minnesota. An avid and skilled downhill skier, Gerry relished skiing with MaryAnn, family and friends in Colorado. He was also a great fan of Minnesota and U of M sports teams. A devoted family man, Gerry especially beamed with pride watching his grandchildren grow and succeed in their endeavors. His children and grandchildren will be forever grateful for the strong moral example he set and the work ethic he instilled in them. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Vivian. He is survived by MaryAnn, his wife of 66 years; children Zachary (Lisa Gilliland), Kristen (Leif Owens) and Gretchen (Robert Martin); grandchildren Kjellrun Owens Jones (Brian Jones), Nick Herringer (Isis Peguero), and Jon Eric Herringer (Abby Voigt); and great-grandson Brooks Owens Jones. Funeral service on Friday, June 16, at 1:00pm at Salem Covenant Church (2655 5th St NW, New Brighton); visitation one hour prior (noon to 1:00pm). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Columbia Heights High School Alumni Scholarship Foundation (4111 Central Ave NE, Ste 206 South, Columbia Heights, MN, 55421) or donor's choice.

Tributes

Gerry Herringer

November 20, 1934 - June 9, 2023

Tributes

Gerry Herringer

November 20, 1934 - June 9, 2023

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203