Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 25, 1931
Date of Death:
Friday, February 12, 2021
Age:
89 years old

Gerald “Jerry” Clayton Gibson

In loving memory, Gerald Clayton Gibson, 89, of Rochester, MN, peacefully passed in his sleep Friday, February 12, 2021 at Homestead of Rochester.

Jerry was born March 25, 1931 to Clayton L. Gibson and Francis (Broege) Gibson in Freeport Illinois. He graduated from Freeport High School and received a scholarship to the Chicago Institute of Art. Jerry joined the National Guard after graduation and spent over a year in Korea. He initiated his education at the Chicago Institute of Art after returning from Korea. After 9 months at the Chicago Institute of Art Jerry attended Ray Vouge College of Design in Chicago.

He met Carol Ann (Stimpert) Gibson on a blind date two days before Valentine’s day. She was the love of his life. They married at first Presbyterian church on August 15, 1954. They shared a love for 67 years that will be continued through his wife and their family. A love so resilient that he held on until two days prior to Valentine’s day of 2021. He held his wife’s hands on this day telling her, “I loved you the moment I saw you and I love you just the same today”.

Jerry was an Interior Designer for 37 years in the Rochester area. He started working for Glen Miller after finishing his education in Chicago. Dayton’s opened a store in Rochester and Jerry worked there for 25 years. Dayton’s got out of the furniture business in Rochester and Jerry moved on to Beauty Floor Expressions for a couple of years. He finished his career working 9 years for Drury’s in Fountain.

Jerry was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was active in boy scouts for all three of his sons. He shared his passion of hunting, fishing, and camping with his boys and grandsons. He enjoyed the outdoors and nature. The simplest things in life made him happy. After retirement, he and Carol spent 3 months in Florida spoiling their granddaughters 17 continuous years. Jerry’s favorite sport was basketball. He played at the YMCA until he was in his 50’s and he was an avid fan of college basketball. He was an avid gardener, spending many hours taking care of his flowers and his vegetables. No one could find a prouder man of his family than Jerry. Life is never perfect, but Jerry lived with no regrets. Through his family, Jerry created a legacy that will live on through them.

Jerry is survived by his three sons, Randy Gibson (Jean), Scott Gibson (Debbie), and David Gibson (DeAnn); five grandchildren, Tyler Gibson, Tony Gibson, Mark Gibson, Mollie Gibson, and Megan Karasek; and one great grandson, Brecken Karasek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton L. Gibson and Francis (Broege) Gibson as well as his siblings; Dorothy Bernardt, Shirley Pizzolato, Delmar Gibson, and Chuck Gibson.