Thief River Falls - Jerry D. Fessler, 54, owner of the Thief River Falls Pizza Hut for the last 25 years, died Friday, August 20, 1999 at Valley Lutheran Hospital in Mesa, AZ following a battle with colon cancer.
Memorial services were held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ on Saturday, August 21 with Reverend John Braaten officiating.
Memorial services will also be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 4 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Reverend Galen Sylvester officiating.
Jerry Dean Fessler was born on April 15, 1945 in Iowa Falls, IA, the son of James D. and Emma (Warschkow) Fessler. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mo. Synod, in Alden, IA in 1945, and he was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mo. Synod in Iowa Falls, IA in 1959. After graduating from high school in Ackley, IA in 1962, Jerry attended and graduated from Hamilton Business College in Mason City, IA.
On August 5, 1967 Jerry was united in marriage to Jan Ashland at Zion Lutheran Church in Northwood, IA. He worked in Charles City, IA for a time and was employed by A.C. Neilson Co. in 1968.
In 1974 Jerry and Jan moved to Thief River Falls where he purchased the Pizza Hut franchise. For the past ten years, the couple has enjoyed spending the winter months at their Mesa, AZ home.
Jerry was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and several committees.
As a Thief River Falls businessman, he was a willing supporter of youth and church groups throughout the area.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Jan; one daughter, Jana (Rob) Ulrey of Newburgh, IN; one granddaughter; his mother, Emma Fessler of Ackley, IA; and one brother-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his father, James D. Fessler, on August 17, 1999. A00003B1999SP01