Gerald “Jerry” William Engesser, age 97 of Tracy, passed away Monday, April 27, 2020 at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy. Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2020 at Tracy City Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at Tracy Area Funeral Home prior to the service. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, please wear a mask and practice social distancing guidelines. A 50% indoor occupancy restriction will be maintained at the funeral home. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gerald “Jerry” William Engesser was born May 12, 1922 to Peter and Pearl (Olson) Engesser in Garvin, MN. He lived in Garvin with his parents and five siblings. Jerry completed his elementary education in Garvin and graduated from Tracy High School. Following graduation, Jerry was employed as a clerk at Marvin S. Peterson’s Groceries and Dry Goods. Later, he was the manager of the former Johnson Bros Bar. In January 1946, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army, and later chose the Army Air Corps. After completing basic training at Sheppard Field, TX, he was selected to join the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC). Jerry completed the CIC basic course at Fort Holabird, MD. He then was station in Naples, Italy in October 1946. The mission of the CIC is to protect the United States and its secrets against foreign sabotage, espionage and other subversive activities. Jerry attained the grade of CWO-4. He served in Italy, Germany, Japan (three tours), Washington D.C. (twice), St. Louis, MO, and Leavenworth, KS. Jerry also spent one year at the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, studying the Japanese language. He received an honorable discharge in February 1966. Jerry loved the Army. After his discharge, he settled in Tracy, where he was manager of the Legion Club twice and manager of the Tracy Country Club. In 2012, he sold his house and moved to Twin Circle Apartments, O’Brien Court, and then Prairie View Senior Living. Jerry enjoyed his retirement and going golfing.
Gerald is survived by his sisters: Verna (Raymond) Swift of Tracy and Shirley (John) Martin of Balaton; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harold and Earl, and one sister Vesta (Clayton) Ahlmjeld.
