Jerome "Jerry" Alan DeRungs, 50, of Moose Lake, died Thursday, August 27, 2009 at Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born September 10, 1958 in Huron, SD to John and Jean (Folz) DeRungs. He moved to Moose Lake when he was 5 years old. Jerry attended Moose Lake High School, graduating in 1976. He attended St. John's University in Collegeville and the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver, CO.
Jerry worked as a journalist and photographer since he was in high school. After attending school in Colorado, Jerry bought the Lidgerwood Monitor in Lidgerwood, ND. In 1984, he bought the Star Gazette in Moose Lake and in 1994 he bought the Evergreen Shopper and published both until his death. Jerry was well known for his "thought provoking" editorials, often stirring controversy. He was well known for his "heart of gold" as well. Jerry was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Moose Lake, the Moose Lake City Council, the Moose Lake Park Board, the Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce, Moose Lodge #479 and Lions. Jerry organized the 4th of July activities in town for many years. He was instrumental in obtaining grants for the city fishing pier and playground equipment for the park. Jerry was a member of the Jaycees, participating in the Haunted House. He was a fixture at school events all over the area with a camera around his neck. Jerry enjoyed fishing, gardening, collecting coins, portraying Santa Claus and clowning as Baldrake with his partner, Esmeralda, driving his classic cars and especially spending time with his daughter and grandkids.
Jerry was united in marriage to Constance "Connie" Branham on September 21, 2001 in Moose Lake.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, John DeRungs; granddaughter, Anna Grace Eller.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Connie DeRungs of Moose Lake; mother, Jean DeRungs of Moose Lake; daughter, Samantha "Sammi" DeRungs of Finlayson; step sons, Kyle (Sandra) Eller of Duluth and Eric Eller of Cloquet; granddaughters, Jonnica Eller, Erica Eller, Elisabeth Eller and Maria Eller; sister, Joan (Jim) Watson of Stacy; nephews, Matt and Geoff Watson; niece, Katherine Watson; his dog, Pixie; many extended family and friends.

A gathering of family and friends was held Sunday, August 30, from 5-7 PM in Hamlin-Hansen Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and did continue Monday, August 31, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Mass in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Moose Lake. Private Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com.