Jerry L. Kjergaard

Jerry Kjergaard 71 of Faribault passed away on Wednesday December 20, 2023, at United Hospital in St. Paul. Jerry humbly started his life on December 5, 1952, one of six kids to Marilyn and Harlan Kjergaard in Rowena, SD. 

Jerry graduated high school from Brandon High School in Brandon, SD, from there he continued his education at University of South Dakota where he met the love of his life Janice Kjergaard.  For those that know Jerry you wouldn’t be surprised that they met in a bar.  His wife claims he was smitten with her the moment he saw her.  Jerry continued his education receiving both a Specialist and Doctorate of Education from Drake University. 

Jerry and Jan married in June 1977 after finishing their initial schooling. Jerry then took Jan on a moving extravaganza to only the best towns in South Dakota, Iowa, Florida and Minnesota including 12 communities and 15 homes.   Jerry’s career included being the entire socials studies department, coaching, leading schools and school districts.  Jerry was a champion for education and held a love for learning and teaching throughout his life.  While as a principal he earned the nickname of Roar for yelling/scaring kids in the hallway.  Jerry ended his career as a School Superintendent for over two decades with the nickname of Dr. Prike.  Jerry always wanted to inspire learning, doing the best for students, and make education fun.

During these many, many moves Jerry and Janice found the time to welcome two children into their lives, Sarah Rojas and Steven Kjergaard. Jerry took great joy in watching his children grow into adults.  Jerry was an avid reader and golfer with three holes in ones to his name. He was well known for having his sharp sense of humor with no one being safe from his jokes, opinions and thoughts. 

He is survived in death by his wife Janice; daughter and son, Sarah (Jose) Rojas and Steven Kjergaard; sister, Laurie Stoner; six grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Janet; three brothers Brian, Robert, Harley; and many other relatives and friends.

A Viewing and Memorial will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave N. Faribault, MN.  The Viewing will be from 10:00am to 11:30am with the memorial starting at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Faribault Foundation or Buckham Memorial  Library in memory of Jerry.