Gerald (Jerry) Backlund

life story

Beloved and loving husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, teacher, mentor, and friend

Gerald (Jerry) Backlund went to his heavenly home on Monday, October 2, 2023 after a brief battle with kidney disease. Born July 11, 1935 to Reverend Axel and Clara (Borg) Backlund in Hallock, Minnesota. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Dr. Marilyne Backlund Gustafson, brothers- and sisters-in-law, two nieces and one nephew, and many beloved friends. Survived by his wife of 65 years, Amy (Tutt) Backlund, daughters Karen and Kristin (all of Minnesota), sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, and grand dogs Rosie and Indigo. Visitation to be held on Thursday, May 15 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rosebrook Park Building, 2590 Fry Street Roseville and Friday, May 16 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Calvary Church Roseville, 2120 Lexington Avenue N. Celebration of Life from 11:00-noon at Calvary Church with luncheon to follow. Memorial designation to Wycliffe or a charity of your choice.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

May 16, 2025

Calvary Church 2120 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113, USA

Visitation at 10:00 with luncheon to follow.

Family will also receive guests on Thursday, May 15 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Rosebrook Park Building, 2590 Fry Street, Roseville, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services

A Life Well Lived

Jerry's father (a minister and handyman) and his mother (a Swedish immigrant and school teacher prior to their marriage) were both resourceful and independent. His father served churches throughout northern and central Minnesota and served as the caretaker at Trout Lake Camp. Jerry might have been the first to survive going over the Pine River dam, which he kept from his parents so as to not endanger his annual summer trip to Grand Marias to spend time with cousins, aunts, and uncles. As kids growing up during the Depression, Jerry and Marilyne often had to make their own fun. When Jerry's mother couldn't find one of the chickens, Jerry remembered the chicken had been "imprisoned" by he and Marilyne in an old stove outside.

In his Pine River days, Jerry met his best buddy and brother in Christ Jim Wiens. A lifetime friendship ensued. Jerry and Jim would visit each other's homes, vacation together, and attend science conventions with their wives. It was at Trout Lake Camp where Jerry first caught a glimpse of Amy Tutt. Jerry graduated from high school in 1953, and attended Bethel College in St. Paul. While attending Bethany Baptist Church, Amy's sister Eva attempted to relay a message from Amy about her newfound dating availability. Eva asked Jerry to inform one of his cousins about Amy's status, but Jerry never delivered that message. Instead, he asked Amy out, and the two were married in 1958.

In their early years of marriage, Jerry finished college and embarked on his lengthy teaching career. An early stop was the Navajo mission school in Farmington, NM.

He and Amy also started their family, with Karen arriving in 1960, and Kristin arriving in 1962. After teaching for a few years in Flint, MI, Jerry and the family returned to the Twin Cities area, where Jerry taught at Marshall University High School in Minneapolis, before accepting a position with Roseville Area Schools where he spent the remainder of his teaching career.

Jerry was known for introducing his students to earth science and nature. He brought numerous students to Banning State Park, and other Minnesota state parks. Mr. Backlund was also known for his collection of bad puns. He enjoyed coaching junior high gymnastics. Jerry was a co-leader for many summer field geology trips enjoyed by hundreds of high school students. One of his most interesting summer school field trips included climbing to the summit of Mount Rainier. Jerry also spent several years as a tour guide for the Science Museum of Minnesota, where he led various trips to the western and southwestern United States, including a number of raft trips through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. Jerry made some 50 or so trips to the Grand Canyon in his lifetime, rafting the river, hiking from rim to rim with Karen and Uncle David, and helicoptering overhead.

Jerry and Amy were also very involved with youth programs at Bethany Baptist Church. Initially they helped lead programs for younger boys and girls, eventually serving as youth group sponsors. A favorite trip was a youth group bus trip to Yellowstone National Park. Jerry of course was the bus driver too.

Jerry was notorious for doing headstands. He did headstands at church, at weddings, in the Mississippi River Headwaters, at the end of the Lake Bemidji State Park bog boardwalk, in a raft going down the Colorado River and on a snow field to name a few. He gradually curtailed his headstanding once he got into his 70s. Jerry's other unusual talent was playing the snoot flute (nose flute). He was very good at this instrument, and played a range of styles from patriotic to folk to musicals to sacred selections. The only thing that might derail his medleys and songs on the snoot flute were bouts of laughter that often occurred.

In his early retirement years, Jerry did substitute teaching in Roseville. He enjoyed volunteering as a park patrol for Roseville Parks. He also volunteered locally for the National Park Service at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area visitor center at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Jerry was a group leader for many years in Bible Study Fellowship. He and Amy faithfully prepared bulletins for North Heights Church. Jerry and Amy especially cherished winter visits to a time share in Sedona, AZ, an experience which they shared with other relatives and friends.

Jerry was devoted to his community, his students, many friends, and his grand dogs, but most of all he was devoted to his family and his Lord and Savior. First Jerry cared for many of his sister Marilyne's needs during her battle later in life with dementia. Unknowingly, this experience helped prepare him for more years of devoted care as his wife Amy succumbed to dementia also. Jerry's compassion and patience served him well. Drawing close to God and His word helped Jerry navigate these difficult waters. Not unlike his parents, Jerry was a prayer warrior on behalf of many. He kept a prayer journal, and had a set routine of various people he prayed for on each day of the week, often combining his praying with walking. The one thing that would make Jerry the most grateful would be knowing that the way he lived his life would help draw others to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We're sure he is hoping to see you in heaven.