Gerald "Jerry" Robert Handlos

Gerald (Jerry) R Handlos passed away March 4, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis after a long battle with chronic lung disease. He was 75.

Jerry was born on October 2, 1940 the son of Leonard and Eleanor (Wilson) Handlos. He graduated from Unity High School then went on to pursue a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  He married Theresa Adamietz in 1962. They moved to Racine, WI where he was a teacher and coach for 3 years before they eventually settled in Centuria WI where they started Hanjo Farms with his sister and brother in law, Peggy and Loren Johnson.  He farmed until he retired in 1992 but found ways to stay involved in the farm when he could.  As the years went by, he spent winters in Mesa, AZ, summers in Balsam Lake, WI and then moved to Luck, WI with friend and companion Elaine Holdt.

Jerry was involved in a number of organizations including the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Unity School Board, 4-H, and served as the Polk County Board Chairman.  In his spare time he refereed a number of different sports and eventually went on to coach any team that needed him.  He was always willing to help out and support his kids in any way.

Jerry is survived by his special friend Elaine Holdt, son Jeff (Sue) Handlos, daughters Jill (Curt) Akenson, Jackie (Tom) Patterson, and Jolene (Wes) Geyer; sister Peggy (Loren) Johnson; ten grandchildren – Nathan, Alisha, Justin, Kayla, Alyssa, Kendra, Erica, Cody, Tanner, and Lexi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Theresa.

A memorial gathering will take place on Wednesday March 9th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria and one hour prior to the service at church.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday March 10, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Centuria with Pastor Timothy Blauert officiating.  Inurnment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery following the service.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerrys life.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria has been entrusted with the arrangements.