Gerald "Jerry" Pihlgren

Gerald “Jerry” Bruce Pihlgren, 75, of Moorhead, MN, formerly of Pollock, SD, passed away on September 2, 2025, at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo, ND. 

Jerry was born on February 14, 1950, to Robert and Ida (Jensen) Pihlgren in Moorhead, MN. He graduated from Glyndon-Felton High School in 1968. After graduation, he joined the Marines and was stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. With Pam Muhle, Jerry was blessed with three children whom he deeply loved—Tony, Lezlee, and Mike. Even when time and distance kept them apart, his children remained close in his heart. 

Jerry worked his entire career in painting, taping, and texturizing, where he built lasting friendships that meant so much to him. After retirement, he moved to Pollock, SD, a place he proudly called home. He often boasted of living in the best walleye fishing spot in the world—his freezer was always full—and he loved telling visitors that Pollock had the widest main street in the country. 

Jerry had a gift for taking life as it came. From his mother, he learned to accept circumstances, make the best of them, and never complain. He was a natural storyteller who could keep friends laughing for hours. Music was another constant in his life, with Johnny Cash always playing in the background. 

Jerry is survived by his children, Tony Pihlgren (Jennifer Weleski), Lezlee Pihlgren, and Michael Pihlgren (Dana Korzilius); grandchildren, Gavin Pihlgren and Greyson Quam; brother, Phillip Pihlgren; nieces, Becki (Marv) Hexum, Jennifer Pihlgren, and Kristin Pihlgren; nephew, Kody Pihlgren; and life-long friends, Clancy and Maude Prunty. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert A. Pihlgren; mother, Ida Pihlgren-Skatvold; brothers, Robert L. Pihlgren and Gregory Pihlgren; and long-time companion, Gigi Hellerud. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo for the excellent, compassionate care they provided to Jerry, and for the dignity and honor they show every veteran who enters their doors.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Scandia Lutheran Cemetery, rural Felton, MN.