Gerald D. "Jerry" Souba, 84, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Clare Bridge in Owatonna.
He was born December 6, 1926 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of Henry and Marguerite (Dillemuth) Souba. Jerry graduated from OHS in 1945 and entered the United States Army serving from 1945-1946. He farmed with his father, and together they ran Souba Truck Farm. Jerry married Genevieve Hafstad June 24, 1950 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church. The couple was life long dairy and vegetable farmers. Genevieve passed away January 10, 2002. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Crane Creek School Board, CSA and was a longtime Bohemian National Cemetery Board member. He enjoyed square dancing, card games and coaching 4-H softball. He played softball for Riverside and Clark. Jerry and Genevieve were foster parents for many children. Jerry had a passion for farming which was shared with those who knew him. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He is survived by his children Larry (Sandra) Souba, Barbara (Gerald) DeMars, William (Debi) Souba, Audrey (Randy) Schroht all of Owatonna, and Joanne (John David) Guevara of Harlingen, TX. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren Megan (John) Bauer, Laura Souba, Brian Souba, Carmen DeMars, Jonathan DeMars, Michael (Laura) DeMars, Amy Jo (Curt) Rieck, Jody (Timothy) Hugley, Mindy Souba, Andrew Souba, Aaron (Brooke) Schroht, Colleen Schroht, David Schroht, Thomas Schroht, Jacquelyn Guevara, and Jeffrey Guevara, seven great-grandchildren Savannah DeMars, Ingrid DeMars, Leah Rieck, Lydia Rieck, Lanie Rieck, Adeline Schroht, and Weston Schroht, and his sister Agnes (Bent) Paulsen of Plymouth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Thomas, and his brother John.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday December 8, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. and at United Methodist Church on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held Friday December 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church with Pastor Loren Olson officiating. Interment will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the Bohemian National Cemetery, the Parkinson's Foundation or the donor’s choice.