Gerald Deetz, 91, Owatonna
Gerald (Jerry) Lee Deetz, 91, passed away peacefully on Feb. 9, 2025.
Friends may greet the family from 4–6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at the Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna, and one hour prior to the funeral Mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
Jerry was born on July 31, 1933, to Kenneth and Goldyne Deetz at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis. Jerry grew up on a rural dairy farm in Wisconsin, graduating from Gilmanton High School in 1951.
In 1956, Jerry answered the call of duty and was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a radio operator in Korea. During his time there, he was appointed to an Honor Guard unit and proudly traveled with an elite baseball team, excelling as both a pitcher and shortstop. In 1961, Jerry was called back into service during the Berlin Crisis, serving an additional 10 months.
On Aug. 22, 1959, Jerry married Carol Weiss at Sacred Heart Church in Mondovi, Wis. The couple shared a wonderful 65 years together and were blessed with two sons during their time in Mondovi.
Jerry's business career began in 1961 with Cities Service Oil Co. in Mondovi. He later owned and operated a bulk gas and oil delivery business, serving farms and households in the area. His career took him to various cities in Minnesota, including White Bear Lake, Duluth, and Stillwater, where he worked in sales and management roles. In 1974, Jerry took a bold step and opened Budget Oil Company, a convenience store chain he grew from one location in Owatonna, Minnesota, to 31 stores across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. He was very active in the Petroleum Association in Minnesota, serving on the board and attending numerous annual conventions. He operated the business until 1997, when he sold the stores and embraced a new chapter in his life.
After retiring, Jerry and Carol spent their winters in Rio Verde, Arizona, where they became part of a tight-knit golfing community. They enjoyed hosting many family gatherings and developing lasting friendships over the years.
Jerry’s involvement in the communities he lived in were evident, as he served on different church, country club, and service club boards. He was especially proud of his five-year term as the Owatonna Foundation President and involvement with a special needs Boy Scout Troop in Owatonna. Jerry was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna, always interested in making sure the church’s needs were met.
Jerry cherished spending time with his grandchildren, attending their events and creating lasting memories. One of his most special traditions was gathering his sons' families each year to spend time together at Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; sons Steve (Julia) Deetz, Tom (Anne) Deetz; grandchildren Robert, Donais, Louisa, Zachery, Matthew; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Goldyne Deetz, and his brother, James Deetz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Owatonna Foundation or Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna.
Jerry’s legacy of hard work, generosity, and love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him. For more information or to leave an online condolence message, go to www.megercares.com.