Robert "Bob" Emil Jerik, age 82 of East Grand Forks, MN, died peacefully after a long struggle with heart complications under the care of Hospice, Saturday, May 15, 2021 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born on August 28, 1938 in Grand Forks, ND to Emil and Margaret (Goosen) Jerik.  He graduated from Fisher High School.  On August 2, 1962 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Straus at St. Mary's Church in Euclid, MN.  Bob worked for Dahlin Farms and Construction, Kenny's Standard, and Gill's Mobile Homes.  Prior to retiring due to heart complications, he spent 45 years at Krueger Farms East Grand Forks, MN doing what he loved most, farming.

If there was an opportunity to attend children's or grandchildren's sporting events, he was there.  His eyes always lit up when his grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren came to visit.  Bob loved cruising to check on different crops, attending threshing bees, flea markets, car shows, county fairs and parades.  Some cruises went backwards more than forward picking up roadside treasures.  Bob also enjoyed shopping for his garden plants at Honker Flats.  His favorite vacation was going with close friends to visit relatives and friends in Texas and Mexico.  Being a social butterfly, his family knew if they went with him, Bob would know someone and stop to talk.  Despite battling medical problems for the past 12 years, his spirits were always high and he'd say something to liven up the room.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, also a great friend that would help anyone in need.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A special thank you to Dr. Bradbury and Red River Valley Hospice whose wonderful care helped him gain almost another year and to the family and friends who visited Bob these last few months.  It truly helped lift his spirits.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy of 58 years, of East Grand Forks, MN; beloved cat Mittens; children, Kevin (Sheila) Jerik East Grand Forks, MN, Kim (Dave) Wasylow Mekinock, ND, Keith (Brenda) Jerik Pleasant View, TN, Ken (Terri) Jerik Grand Forks, ND and Kristi (Dwight) Gerszewski Grand Forks, ND. Grandchildren, Tami Wasylow, Shannon (Cody) Swartz, Kayla Jerik, Jeremy (Ashley) Gerszewski, Casey (Tyler) Jarboe, Jessica Gerszewski and Joseph (Kelsey Kozel) Gerszewski; 4 step-grandchildren, Ben, April, Adam, Georgi Wicks; great-grandchildren, Zackary Steele, Bristol Swartz, Jaylynn Gerszewski, and great-grandson Swartz due in September. Brother-in-law, David (Rita) Straus along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and sisters Mildred Cariveau and Mary Lou Jerik and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Motto: "Do what you can when you can as you don't know how long before you can't"

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or to the charity of choice.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3 ^rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Inurnment: Prairie View Cemetery ~ Euclid, MN