Jerry Lee Markham, 81, of Wykoff, Minn., passed away on November 2, 2023, in Ostrander, Minn. Jerry was born to Donald and Adeline (Affeldt) Markham on October 17, 1942, in Austin, Minn. He was baptized, confirmed, and a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn., where over the years he was active with the Luther League, Sunday School, and church counsel. At age seven, Jerry contracted polio and spent 11 weeks in the hospital and an additional 10 years in physical therapy. He attended the Mulhern Country School, where he was the only first and second grader, and then Fillmore Country School for grades 3-6. Jerry often rode his horse to country school. In 1960, he graduated from Wykoff Public School where he played basketball, football, and track and field. After high school, he attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, graduating in 1964 with bachelor’s degree in Science and Physical Education. He also earned a letter competing in track and field for the college.
Jerry taught high school science classes in Ruthven, Iowa, for three years and then 31 years in Riceville, Iowa. After retiring from teaching in Iowa, he went on to teach an additional three years at Kingsland High School in Spring Valley, followed by 15 years of substitute teaching in the Rochester, Minn., school districts. He spent many of his years at Riceville coaching various men’s and women’s sports.
On August 4, 1973, he married Arlys Lane at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in rural Decorah, Iowa. They made their home on Jerry’s family farm in rural Wykoff where they were blessed with three sons: Chris, Shawn and Ryan. Jerry had a love of horses, getting his first at the age five. He remained a horseman and a cowboy his entire life, competing rodeos and horse shows in his younger years. One of his greatest joys sharing his love of horses with his sons and teaching them the cowboys’ ways. Many weekends were spent camping and horse trail riding throughout the state of Minnesota. He valued nothing above time with his family.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 50 years, sons Chris (Angie), Shawn (Becky), Ryan (Sydney), five grandchildren, sister Shiela (Fran) and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, brother-in-law, and a niece.
A memorial service for Jerry will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn., with Pastor Kay Wold officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the start of the service at the church. Burial will be at a later date. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.