Gerald R. "Jerry" Frith

Gerald R. “Jerry” Frith, 74 of Devils Lake, ND died at his home on Saturday evening, September 9, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was surrounded by his wife and children and cousins when the good Lord took him home to see our many family members. Funeral Services for Jerry will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Marvin Winstryg will officiate. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation on Tuesday will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Jerry will be members of VFW Post #756. Music will be provided by Louis Martin, Alexia Rieley and Paulette Frith. Gerald R. Frith was born on August 31, 1932 to Robert and Blanche M. (Cox) Frith at Doyon, ND where he was reared and educated. He also attended school in Devils Lake. On December 29, 1950, Jerry entered the United States Army at Fargo, ND. He served his country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on December 9, 1953 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois with the rank of PFC. Jerry was united in marriage to Eileen Wilkerson on May 2, 1959 at Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake until 1964 when they moved to California. Jerry worked for the Cressy California Volunteer Fire Department for about 6 years. This was a job that was very important to Jerry. They continued to make their home in California for about 16 years returning to North Dakota in 1980 and living in Warwick, Starkweather and Devils Lake. Jerry then farmed with his Dad on the home farm until 1985 and then moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida to be closer to their son who was serving in the United States Navy. While living in Jacksonville Beach, Jerry worked for the Police Department for 10 years and then in 2000 they moved back to Devils Lake. Jerry was never idle before or after retirement. He was a jack-of-all trades and he and Eileen would always being doing odd jobs for people in the community, such as pressure washing houses and driveways, mowing lawns and many fix-up projects with his trusty tool box. Jerry was always a ray of sunshine to the residents of Heartland Care Center. He would make his rounds everyday cheering up the residents and staff with his humor and always lending a helping hand when he could until his short battle with cancer kept him home. Even though he was suffering with pain, his concern was always for other people. His sweet smile will be missed by all. Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Eileen Children: Kim Frith and his wife, Rita of Santa Maria, California Dennis Frith and his wife, Pam of North Carolina James Frith and his wife, Alysia of Spokane, Washington John Frith and his wife, Cindy of Whittier, California Jerry L. Frith of New Port Beach, California Vickie Frith of Devils Lake Sue Frith also of Devils Lake Cora Koepplin and her husband, Rick of Fargo, ND Five Grandsons and Fifteen Granddaughters Eight Great Grandchildren Sister: Denise Frith Helmen of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin Brother: John Frith of Devils Lake Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins also survive He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Denise Frith Roberts; grandparents, William and Donna Frith and John and Cora Cox; nephew, Bob Martin and several cousins.