Jerry Binford

JERRY ALAN BINFORD was born to Harold and Clara (Nelson) Binford on April 19, 1934 in Vienna Township, Rock County, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm and attended country school through the eighth grade. He then helped on the family farm. Early in his life Jerry began farming with his brother, Lowell, northeast of Luverne. On May 21, 1955 Jerry married Marian Buss at the Magnolia Methodist Church in Magnolia, Minnesota. Following their marriage the couple made their home on the farm. To this union three children were born, Janet, John and Tommy. Marian preceded him in death in October 3, 1983. Jerry continued to farm for a short period. He then worked for a while at the Kenneth Elevator in Kenneth, Minnesota before becoming an over the road truck driver. On August 30, 1986 Jerry married Judith (Bruggeman) Toczek at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. They made their home in Luverne, Minnesota and a short time later moved to the Kenneth area, where Jerry became employed again at the Kenneth Elevator. In 1999, they moved to Luverne and Jerry went to work for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader delivering paper bundles to the paper boys in Luverne for the local paper routes. He also drove school bus for the Luverne school system during this time. In 2009 Jerry formally retired and in December of that year became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills. On Wednesday May 20, 2015 Jerry died at the Tuff Memorial Home at the age of 81 years, one month and one day.

Jerry was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. He enjoyed cars, cruising the car lots, tractors, trucks and everything dealing with farming. He also enjoyed all animals, especially his many dogs he had over the years, and listening to “true, old time” country music. He liked dancing, singing, and yodeling. In his later years he enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune or as he said, “Vanna”, and every old comedy re-run he could find. Jerry loved telling stories and they got bigger and better every time he told them! His smile, sense of humor and stories will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will mostly be remembered for his honesty and just being a good and decent person.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Judy; six children, Janet Reisch of Luverne, John (Terrie) Binford of Luverne, Tommy of rural Worthington, Minnesota, Becky (Dion) Miller of Hull, Iowa, Kim (Tim) Shiek of Fargo, North Dakota, and Duane (Sue) Toczek of Littleton, Colorado; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three siblings, Joyce Hartz and Lois Hatting, both of Luverne, and Larry (Marcia) Binford of Moorhead, Minnesota; two sister-in-laws, Marybeth Binford of Luverne, and Alice Petersen of Dell Rapids, South Dakota; and many other family and friends. He was preceded by his wife, Marian; parents; three siblings, Keith, Lowell, and Howard Binford; and three brother-in-laws, Richard Petersen, Bob Hatting, and Dale Hartz.

Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church (500 N. Kniss Avenue, Luverne, Minnesota 56156).