Gerald (Jerry) Duane Oothoudt, 77, was born to Andrew S. and Gladys (Chandler) Oothoudt on September 16, 1930, in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and was raised on a farm near Randall, MN. He passed away on November, 30, 2007 at the Flagstaff Medical Center.

In 1948, he graduated from high school in Little Falls, MN. He enlisted in the National Guard at Camp Ripley, MN, and was a Mess Sergeant with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jerry married Beverly Osborne and they lived in Randall, MN; Minneapolis; and New Mexico before moving to Arizona in 1960. In 1992, Beverly was killed in an automobile accident. He and Sharon Johnson were married in 1993.

Among the various jobs that Jerry performed throughout his lifetime were taxi driver, tool and die maker, business owner, mechanic, U.S. Forest Service employee and schoolteacher. He was always willing to help and to teach wherever there was a need. His hobbies included inventing any number of items to make things work – "if you don't have a piece, make it" - fishing, hunting, traveling, reading, visiting with friends, assembling puzzles, and helping family and friends far and wide. He belonged to the National Education Association, the Arizona Education Association, the Camp Verde Education Association, the National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

His parents, his first wife, two sisters, and various aunts, uncles and cousins preceded Jerry in death. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Janet (Mark) Miller; sons, David (Shauna), George, Jerry Jr. (Tammy), and James; stepsons, Kyle (Jody) Johnson and Kevin Johnson; 18 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a special niece, Connie (Buzz) Swanson and a special nephew, Kenny Jasorka.

Jerry's funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 2:00 P.M. with visitation starting one hour prior to the service at the Norvel Owens Mortuary, 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff. Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday December 4th at Citizens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Great West Division, Inc., Coconino Unit, P.O. Box 2970, Phoenix, AZ 85062-2970 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 78851, Phoenix, AZ 85062-8851.