1926
2010
Gerald "Jerry" Walter Crum, Sr., of Helena, passed away Tuesday morning at the Rocky Mountain Care Center. He was born July 14, 1926 to Janie and Otis M Crum in Roundup, Montana.
Jerry was raised on a ranch outside of White Sulpher Springs, attended school in Butte, and herded sheep for M.D. and Oleatha Benedict, who all but adopted him during his teenage years. At 17 he joined the United States Navy serving as a medical corpsman during World War II. After receiving an honorable discharge, Jerry sought employment at the Veterans' Administration Hospital at Fort Harrison as a nurse.
On June 9, 1952, he married Phillis Marian Drogitis in Glasgow, MT and together they raised three children in Helena.
For 33 years, he worked at the "Fort" as a medical technician, running EKGs, stress tests and the EENT clinic. As much as he loved his job, retirement gave him the freedom to pursue his other passions in life: fly-fishing, serving as a member of the American Legion and puttering around the ranch he shared with his wife until her death this past October.
He is survived by his sons, Gerald Jr. (Helena), Robert (Eliston), and a daughter, Ida Meyers (Helena); brothers, Raymond Reynolds (Helena) and John Crum (Hardin, KY) and sisters, Katherine Richardson (Old Town, FL) and Belva Holder (Trenton, TN); ten grandchildren, Jason, Josh and Justin Crum, Annie Meyers, Jessica, Robert and Michael Crum, Patty Kapphan, Reba Crum and Paul Sheets; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Retz Funeral Home. A Funeral is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2010 at Retz Funeral Home with the family to receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to service time. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall of the Evangelical Covenant Church, 800 N Hoback, immediately following the burial. To offer a condolence to Jerry's family or to share a memory of Jerry, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 5, 2010
Candace Ahl
Bob - Brian and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family!
April 19, 2010
Patty Harper
Grandpa Crum, the few times I got to share with you and grandma were memorable. The both of you were kind, loving, and all around generous people. I am almost certain the two of you are rejoicing in the heaven today, tomorrow, and for always! There have been many of missed opportunities in my family and I am glad to have met you. I will always keep my Christmas stocking from my grandparents, thank you for including me in a family tradition. May you both rest and enjoy life together again in the heavens.
Love your granddaughter,
Patty (Kapphan) Harper
April 19, 2010
Debbie Ann
You and Grandma will be so missed, but we are glad you are together again. Say hello to everyone and we look forward to the day we can see you all again.
April 18, 2010
Retz Funeral Home
Thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family during this difficult time.
April 17, 2010
Ida Meyers
Dad, I hope you're have a wonderful time up there with Mom. And I'll bet you've already been off exploring now that your hip and those knees can't slow you down! But it'll always be a little lonely down here, especially round fishing season. Love you & Miss you!! Your one & only daughter, Thumper
April 17, 2010
Annie Meyers
Dear Poppa, we miss you. A lot. But I know that your up in heaven with Gramma, so I'm just gonna look forward to seeing you guys when I get there.
April 17, 2010
Bob, so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. Am thinking of you and your family. Barb Cole (Wayne's Mom), Yuma Az
April 16, 2010
Robert Crum
Dad I love you , I am going to miss you so much, give mom a kiss for me , for ever bob.
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