Gerald Eggenberger obituary
Gerald “Jerry” Floyd Eggenberger, 78, of Lake City, Minn. passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. He was born August 19, 1944, in Wabasha, to Floyd and Lorraine (Schwirtz) Eggenberger. He attended Mary E. McCahill Institute and graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City, and went on to attend a two-year program at Thief River Falls Area Vocational Technical School studying in the Federal Aviation Agency.
Jerry then entered the U.S. Navy - Naval Air where he flew in the Mediterranean searching for submarines. After his discharge from active service, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Jerry worked for Northwest Airlines for 39 years. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union.
Jerry met the love of his life, Donna Garlick, while line dancing. They were married on March 1, 2014, in Lake City.
Jerry enjoyed cruising on his Harley. He was also a talented guitar player. Other interests included knife making, hunting, fishing, and home renovations.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Donna Garlick-Eggenberger of Lake City; two daughters, Jill Johnson of Thief River Falls, Minn., and Jennifer (Randy) Smasal of Independence, Minn.; six grandchildren, two step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his siblings, Janice (Bob) Anderson of Oakwood, Ga.; Lavonne Eggenberger of Minnetonka, Minn.; Randy (Sue) Eggenberger of Lake City; Robert (Linda) Schwirtz of Cle Elum, Wash.; Debra (Brian) Michlitsch of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Mary (Dean) Schumacher of Lake City. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Judith Casey.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 13, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City, with Father Matthew Fasnacht officiating. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Theilman at a later date.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel. Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.
Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.