Gerald Crawford Henry

Gerald Crawford Henry, 79, passed away on November 15, 2025 in Detroit Lakes, MN. 

Gerald was born on May 25th, 1946 in Moorhead, MN, to Lamont and Esther (Betts) Henry. He spent his early years in Downer, MN where he often got into some mischief with all of the neighbor kids. In 1952 the family moved to Moorhead where Gerry graduated from high school in 1964. The day after graduation Gerry enlisted in the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance and he was eventually sent to Vietnam where he served on the front line. He received two purple hearts and was a proud Marine his entire life! 

Following his return from Vietnam he attended Moorhead State University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. During that time he married Sue Evenson and had two daughters. They divorced in 1972. After college he worked in sales before starting his own businesses. He married Bonnie Meyer in 1975 and they had three kids while living in Downer. They divorced in 2017.

 Gerry loved living at the lakes and spending time ice fishing and putzing on his “hobby farm” with his tractor and his turkeys. He also enjoyed woodworking, and often made corny signs that said things like, “My people skills are just fine, it’s my tolerance for idiots and drunks that needs work.” Another quirky hobby was his collection of cookbooks (and recipes ripped out of magazines), even though he seldom actually made them. But Gerry mostly loved to work and taught his kids the value of hard work. 

Gerry is survived by his ex-wife, Bonnie; daughters: Jessica, Sarah, Andrea, and Alexis; his son Quentin; his son-in-law, John Perlich; his grandchildren: Anna, Caiden, Hunter, Kelyn and Gavin; his brothers: Steve (Char) and Larry (Gayle); and his sister, Beth (Mike). 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David, Jim, and William; and son-in-law Bryan Creel. 

Gerry will be deeply missed. The family will have a celebration of his life at a later date.