Jerald L. (Jerry) Gobel, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, July 25, 2018, at his home.

Jerry was born on May 16, 1937, to Bert and Violet (Olds) Gobel in Aitkin, Minnesota. His family made their home in nearby Swatara where Jerry made a name for himself with the second love of his life—baseball. Jerry was an integral part of the successful town team, skillfully playing the positions of shortstop, third base, and catcher.

Jerry graduated from Hill City High School in 1955 and then continued his education at the Northwest Telegraphy School in Minneapolis. He was employed by the Soo Line Railroad beginning in 1958, working as a telegrapher in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

On March 7, 1959, Jerry was united in marriage to Judith (Judy) Marie Harthan, his first love and life-long soulmate, in Hill City. In 1967, after many household moves due to Jerry's position with the railroad, he and Judy made their home in Moose Lake where they raised their family.

Jerry enjoyed life in the Moose Lake community, serving for several years on the Moose Lake School Board and as President of the Moose Lake Golf Club. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for many decades with the Moose Lake '76ers and was also a regular at Monday night bowling.

In 1971, Jerry was elected District Chair of System Division 71. He was subsequently elected Assistant General Chairman and General Chairman, respectively, of System Board 246 in 1978 and 1979. He was re-elected as General Chairman both in 1981 and 1985, serving as Vice Chair of the General Chairmen's Association, responsible for national railroad contract negotiation, from 1983 – 1985. Jerry's final working position was as International Vice President of the Transportation Communications Union based out of Rockville, Maryland. He was re-elected every 4 years up until his retirement on December 31, 1999.

Jerry made an ongoing difference in the lives of everyone he touched, both personally and professionally. He was known for his generosity and gave his absolute best to whatever he put his hands and heart to, which is the legacy he passes along to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The life example he lived so well is a reminder to each of us to do the right thing every time no matter what.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Violet Gobel, sister Marcella (Gobel) Johnson, brothers Lawrence and Wayne Gobel, and granddaughter, Alyson Gobel.Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy; children Brenda (Steve) Fahrenholz, Tim Gobel, and Cindy (Jamie) Jungers; grandchildren Dylan and Ava Fahrenholz; Kyle (Cindy), Cole, Casey, and Asia Gobel; Katy (John Wistrom), Connor, Sean, and Nathan Jungers; great-grandchildren Osten, Harvey, and McKenley Gobel; and brother Kenneth Gobel and sisters Ilene (Tom) Boudreau and Joan Arnold.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 30 ^th , from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hamlin Hansen Kosloski Funeral Home in Moose Lake. The Memorial Service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Moose Lake on Tuesday, July 31 ^st at 11 a.m.

Inurnment is scheduled for Tuesday, July 31 ^st , at 5:00 p.m. in Macville Cemetery, Swatara, Minnesota.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake, MN.