Jerold Walvatne
Jerold Walvatne, 69 of Bagley, MN passed away unexpectedly at home on April 22, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Bagley, MN with Pastor Tim Mantei officiating. Lunch and fellowship will be at the American Legion in Bagley following the service. A family burial will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm., at Tordenskjold Free Lutheran Church Cemetery in Underwood, MN. Cease Family Funeral home is assisting with arrangements.
Jerry was born in Fergus Falls on February 5, 1957, to Russell and Borghild (Nelson) Walvatne. He was the youngest of two children. He attended Underwood High School and graduated in 1975. He worked at the Midland Station in Underwood. He enjoyed traveling to many places with Brad, Larry and Dave; he never regretted a minute of it. He moved to Bagley in 1987 working at Bagley Hardwoods, Murphy Brothers in IL, WI and MN from 1998 to 1999; Greiner’s Construction out of the Cities, MasTec, Legacy Power Line, and retired from Integrity Contracting in November of 2022. Jerry was a long-time member and supporter of the Sons of the American Legion.
Jerry valued his relationships. He was compassionate, a good listener, and had a great sense of humor (“Really?”). He loved spending time with family and friends, listening to music, sharing stories and laughing around the campfire. He enjoyed golfing, fishing trips with his buddies, relaxing on the patio while playing with Lucy, watching sports on TV and binge watching recorded series with Lori. He loved the outdoors, hunting and spending time on his family farm in Underwood. He was a great cook, loved kids and was a true animal lover (whisperer). His family and Lori’s will miss his hugs, his authenticity, and how they felt safe, valued, and cared for in his presence. Jerry knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and we look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Borghild Walvatne.
Jerry is survived by his sister, Becky (David) Houge; nieces, Sarah (Jeremy) Stigen, Lucinda (James) VerSteeg, Bethany (John) Krafthefer along with each of their children Sam (Alex) Stigen, Elsa Stigen, Estee & Evie VerSteeg, William & Jack Krafthefer.
Jerry is also survived by his Significant Other and most of all Best Friend, Lori Knutson; her children, Kelby Baumann (Taydin Brown) and their son Waylon, Jesse Worshek; Lori’s parents, Wade and Susan Knutson; Lori’s sister, Julie (Garrett) Bitzer; Lori’s brother, Jon (Jeni) Knutson; Lori’s nieces and nephews, Brennan Olson, Brycen (Kylie) and Oakley Olson, Kinlee Bitzer, Devon (Andrea Beuning) Knutson, Bridget (Rob) Lindell and Lily, Brady Brueland, as well as numerous cousins and wonderful friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Clearwater County Food Shelf or Great River Rescue in Bemidji.
Jerry’s family also requests people to come dressed as he knew you, casual and comfortable.
Blessed be the memory of Jerry Walvatne.
Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com