Gerald Eugene Morrow, 77, of River Falls, died Feb. 10, 2026, at home with his wife by his side.
Jerry was born June 7, 1948, the youngest son of Vernon and Katherine (Trebus) Morrow. He was a lifelong resident of River Falls, went to Randall Country School through second grade and then Greenwood Elementary. Jerry and his friend, Jay, spent their youth involved with the Scouts, Troop 54, and got to the Star Rank and was inducted into The Order of The Arrow.
He graduated from River Falls High School in 1966. He spent two semesters at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, before joining the United States Army in March of 1967. After basic training and AIT, he was sent to Vietnam in August 1967. He spent his time with the Fourth Infantry Division in Dak To, and then the Ninth Infantry Division in Saigon, until August 1968. Upon his return to the United States, he was in Fort Ord, Calif. as a drill instructor. He completed his service in January 1970.
Jerry married the love of his life, Jean Ptacek, on May 3, 1969. To this union, two children, Jeffrey and Jason, were born. He was a very involved father and enjoyed everything having to do with his children; it was his greatest accomplishment. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University Wisconsin River Falls in 1974. He went into banking within Hudson, Wis. and Woodbury, Minn., until his retirement. Through those years he became an entrepreneur with many business opportunities such as bowling alleys and restaurants. He and his lifelong friend and business partner, Douglas, were involved with the ownership of motels and rental properties. Within this time, he became very involved in the community, especially the American Legion Post 121. He dedicated many years to matters of the Legion and honoring his fellow Veterans. He always said he was an idea man, constantly thinking of ways to raise money and expand the recognition and opportunities for the Veterans and their families. He had a strong ability to lead in any and all situations with respect and class. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran.
Nothing was as important to him as his family. He loved to spend time with his sons and six grandchildren. Time spent at the family hunting cabin, dinners, sporting events, holidays and summer grill nights by the pool. He was a very involved and supportive father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Golfing was his favorite summer activity, and winter activity if he traveled somewhere. He was raised in a card playing family, so nobody could ever play card games the way he could, so he said. The love for hunting and being within nature is something he spread to his entire family. The hunting season was always about Jerry spending time with his sons; it was a valued time of the year for all three. The laughs, conversations, Miller Lites and card games, along with actual deer hunting, was the best time of the year for all and he made sure all others were welcome to join.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jean; his two sons, Jeffrey (Susan) and Jason (Jill); his six grandchildren: Cody (Payton), Tyler (Kaia), McKenzie (Drew), Max, Jami, and Maddie; his three great grandchildren: Marley, Emmett, Ryder and his fourth great grandchild on the way; his two sisters: Marilyn Gullick and Carol (Ray) Secrist; his brothers-in-law: Bill (Garnet) Sherman and Doug Mathison, as well as, sister-in-law, Patty Kelly; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by parents Vernon and Katherine Morrow; in-laws, Robert and Edna Ptacek; brothers and sisters-in-law: LaVerne Morrow, Harold and Joanne Morrow, Daral and Deanna Morrow, and sister Donna Mathison; sister-in-law, Shirley Sherman; nephews: Dan Morrow, Bill Morrow, Daral (Tucker) Morrow, Benjamin Secrist, Steve Morrow; nieces, Paula Gullick and Kim Jodlowski.
As a final thought, Jerry reminds us all of the impact we have by showing everyone to learn something new every day, while also positively influencing your surroundings.
On Friday, April 10, 2026, private burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Jerry’s Life at the Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion (701 N. Main St., River Falls, WI.) Words of Remembrance and Military Honors will take place at 2 p.m. followed by visitation until 6 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Pierce County Veterans Services. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
