Jerry R. Langworthy, 81 years, of Hayward, WI departed on November 14, 2024. Jerry was born on June 10, 1943 in Chippewa Falls, WI. When he was a few months old, Jerry and his mother traveled to Camp Rucker, Alabama to join his father, Ross, who was stationed in the Army until deployed to Germany during WWII.

Jerry grew up in Chippewa Falls until 1957 when his family moved to Moline, IL. He attended Moline High School where he was a standout wrestler, going to the state championships in both his junior and senior years. He graduated in 1961.

He attended several colleges working towards a bachelor’s degree in Forest Recreation and graduated from Southern Illinois in Carbondale. Jerry married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Putnam on September 16, 1967. He worked for the City of Moline, Illinois until he was hired by the State of Minnesota in 1969. He was district forester in Mankato where he specialized in hardwoods, especially walnut. In addition to his forestry job, he lived and managed a county park at Madison Lake, MN until he was transferred to Duxbury, MN forestry station in 1972. He worked ten years there and was promoted to Area Assistant at Moose Lake, MN.

He loved his family, and his proudest accomplishments were his children. His son, Eric, was his friend, his hunting partner and football buddy. His daughter, Amy, he gave unconditional and unending love and was the apple of his eye. He enjoyed spending time with his four grandsons at sporting events, hunting and fishing.

Jerry was presented with the employee of the year award in 1980 and again in 2000 by the Minnesota Forestry Employee Association. He ended his career and retired from his then position of Area Supervisor at Hinckley MN in 2001. For many years he continued working for the state doing what he really liked; marking timber and flying fire detection.

He had some serious health problems and fought hard to survive until Parkinsons finally took him. Jerry will forever be remembered by his wife, partner and companion of 57 years. He is survived by his son, Eric (Amy) Langworthy of Pine City, MN; his daughter, Amy Suzan of Hayward, WI; four grandsons, Zeth and Ashton Langworthy and Ross and Trevor Suzan of Hayward, WI; and his sister, Mary Piersall of Davenport, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Mildred Langworthy, and his sister, Brenda O’Malley.

His brain was harvested for research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His ashes will rest in a walnut urn (his favorite hardwood tree) with his faithful poodle, “Jake of the Red Forest”. At a later date, he will be buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Chippewa Falls, WI, with his parents and numerous other family members. Thus, Jerry’s full cycle of life started and ended in Chippewa Falls.

He wanted all of you to know if he owes you a beer, you can find him and his dog, Jake, where little dogs and old dawgs go and they will gladly buy you one! Jerry and Jake will live in our hearts and be greatly missed. Happy trails!

Last Update: Nov 20, 2024 1:02 pm CST