Gerald A. Elias

About Gerald "Jerry" Elias, aka Gunny Crapnol

Jerry was born in St Paul and attended Tartan High School and Washington High School, where he graduated in 1973. This year would have been his 50 year reunion. After high school, he went into the Army and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on May 6th of 1981. Five of those years he served in Korea, where he met his first wife, Kim. Jerry brought Auntie Kim home with him from Korea and went on to help care for his ill mother. His love to be of service to others, led him to start his own business, DME Repair Service, that specialized in repairing wheelchairs and lifts for the disabled. His second wife was Jeanne. In later years he lived alone but always showed up for family gatherings or activities of his friends.

Jerry had a great love of animals and the outdoors, which included fishing and gardening. He took a road trip to Alaska on his own and was always up for a nature adventure. He was an avid paintball player and enjoyed many tournaments with his team in and out of state. Jerry loved to cook and was a master of canning his garden produce. His salsa was always a favorite. The last five years he was on the heart transplant list and was always hopeful to be rid of the LVAD, but he always said to give the heart to a younger man first. He loved his heart doctors and nurses at the U of M who were there with him to the end.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Genevieve Elias, his brother Joe Elias and sister, Josie O'Connell and nephew, Joey Elias and life long friend, Jaime Peck. He is survived by his brother David Elias and sister MaryAnn Johnson, nieces (Jennifer Ryan, Julie Barger, Michelle Estby, Stephanie Estby/Stone, Debra Elias and Laurie and Jessie Elias) and nephews Drew and Tim Johnson. Also, lifelong friends, Steve and Sandy Carson, Holly Halbakken and Brian Thompson.

life story

Jerry cared about his garden, family and animals, especially Honey.

Super Sprouts 4H Community Garden

907 1st Ave S

Wheaton, MN 56296

On our loved one's behalf, donations are welcome to this organization that Jerry cared about so much. This garden gave him hope and purpose and was on his mind right up to the end. He just wanted to get back to his garden. The members of this garden, and his community will miss his participation and friendship. They will be honoring him with a plaque in his beloved garden. Send "mail in" donations to the address above. Jerry would be so happy for any donations to support this organization in his town of Wheaton.

memorial service

Fort Snelling Service & Burial

April 20, 2023

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA

Area #3. Please call Jennifer with any questions. 651-352-7650.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services