Jerry Melberg, 81

Jerry M. Melberg, 81, of Hayden, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side Nov. 3, 2023.

Born on July 30, 1942, to Ernest and Gertie Melberg in Minneapolis, Minn., Jerry later married Janice Carson, whom he always called “the love of his life” on Oct. 10, 1964, at Incarnation Lutheran Church, in New Brighten, Minn.

Jerry graduated from Elk River High School in 1961, where he enjoyed playing football for four years, then joined the Army National Guard in 1962, serving for six years. He attended Brown Institute of Electronics for three years, starting his lifelong career in computers and software, leading him to work in London and then Portugal. Jerry and Jan delighted in traveling all over Europe during this time, being joined by their daughter, Kristi, as a little toddler in Portugal.

In 1995, they moved to North Idaho to follow his dream of living life with his family in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Jerry loved spending time with family: boating on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille; fishing and teaching his children and grandchildren to fish; hiking and camping, especially in Montana and Canada; hunting in Minnesota, Colorado and Idaho; and traveling to Europe, and Maui for 20 years. A favorite winter joy was snowmobiling with the kids sitting in front of him. Jerry always remained a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan after settling in Idaho. He loved being goofy, and funny, making people laugh and having a good time. Strong in his faith in Jesus, Jerry prayed at every meal, always ending with his own prayers of gratitude, or interceding for someone else. He enjoyed having the Bible read to him and praying, his favorites being the Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed and Psalm 23. His spirit inspired people to believe, his positivity gave hope, his courage and forgiveness instilled compassion and his will and dedication led to commitment. His legacy of unconditional love and positive influence will live on forever.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life and wife, Janice Melberg, his brother, Marvin Melberg and sister-in-law Jerelyn Melberg, his sister, Eva Scott, his daughters, Kristi Sampica and Michelle Mount, his grandchildren, Alexandra, Stephen, Kayden, Abigail and Isabelle, and four great-grandchildren. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Melberg and Gertie Martinez, sister Eileen Zastrow, and son Richard Melberg.

We thank Hospice of North Idaho for their care and support, helping to keep Jerry home and comfortable, where he wanted to be.

The funeral service is Saturday, Nov. 11 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rathdrum, Idaho, at 10 a.m., with luncheon to follow.