Gerald R. Layman

Gerald R. "Jerry" Layman, 56, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Monday, August 15, 2011 at Lakeland Hospice House, Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Jerry was born on November 28, 1954, the son of William and Jean (Glass) Layman in Wadena, Minnesota. He was raised and educated in Deer Creek, graduating from high school in 1972. Jerry began working for BNSF Railroad shortly after high school. He was united in marriage to Jean Gennaro on August 3, 1985 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. They made their home in New York Mills, while Jerry continued to work for the railroad as a foreman/welder until 1987. They later moved to Detroit Lakes, where Jerry was the owner of Jerrychr(39)s Optical for many years. Jerry was an avid sportsman, which included fishing, hunting and golf. He also enjoyed flying his air plane throughout the lakes area and playing his guitar. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Angela Layman; son, Micky Layman; granddaughter, Malia Layman all of Coon Rapids, MN; his mother, Jean Layman of New York Mills, MN; three sisters, Kathleen (Peter) Zavadil of Perham, MN; Nancy (Brad) Salquist of West Fargo, ND; Patty (Mike) Meyer of Perham, MN; three brothers, Bill (Joy Lapos) Layman of New York Mills, MN; Tom (Jean) Layman of Sabin, MN; Bob (Sue) Layman of Eau Claire, WI; numerous nieces, nephews and good friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, William.