Gerald “Gerry” Hosek

Gerald “Gerry” Hosek, age 76, of Olivia, MN died on Friday, April 22, 2022 at his home. A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will be Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia. Military honors will follow the service with burial in the Olivia Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Gerald Henry Hosek was born on May 24, 1945 to Stanley and Elizabeth (Dostal) Hosek in Olivia, MN. Most of his life he was referred to as Gerry, but he needed a proper name like Gerald, just in case he became president. He graduated from Olivia High School in 1963. While in high school he played basketball where he coined the nickname, Flying Farmer. Gerry continued his education at Willmar Technical College where he studied Communications. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He worked on the family farm and then for the United States Postal Service at the Bulk Mail Center in Eagan for many years. When he would use his vacation time from his regular job, it was to work back in Renville County hauling sugar beets for the Kubesh family. He was very passionate about basketball; no matter what team was playing he was happy to watch a game. Most of the miles he put on his car were spent driving around town. He was a regular at Chatterbox, Dairy Queen and Jackpot Casino; the cashiers knew his order and the Blackjack dealers treated him like family. Doing Sudoku puzzles kept him sharp and putting together jigsaw puzzles with his grandchildren brought him much joy. Papa always made sure that his grandchildren had what they needed and more. Gerry expressed himself more in recent years and made sure that his family knew he loved them until he passed.

Gerry is survived by his daughter, Summer Riesberg of Olivia; his son, Chad Laidlaw of Gibbon; his granddaughters: Kristiane (Brian) Wilson of Farmington, Autumn Montgomery of Olivia, Jersey Gieser of Olivia, Billie Gieser of Olivia, and Brianna Bates of Milaca; and many other relatives and friends. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Elizabeth.

Blessed Be His Memory