Jerald "Jerry" Mathew Stevens

Jerald Mathew Stevens was born August 9, 1951 in Bemidji, MN, to Glenn and Mickey Stevens. He passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, surrounded by his family. Jerry was raised in Bemidji, graduating from Bemidji High School in 1969. He started working for Coca Cola Bottling of Bemidji when his father Glenn took over in 1966, Jerry was 15. He left for the cities to do roofing for a few years and then returned to Coca Cola. Like his father, Jerry was still active in the company’s management at the time of his death. Jerry took great pride in the Coke Shop where he worked along side of his wife, Beverly and two sons Matthew and Cody.

Jerry’s love for his friends and family was only exceeded by his generosity. He was always trying to improve the lives of those around him. Although otherwise being an honest man, he was known to fudge the numbers a bit when playing his favorite game, cribbage with friends and family. When he wasn’t sneaking treats for the grandkids he could probably be found mowing the lawn, texting his friends or enjoying the outdoors. In his earlier years he collected many species of butterflies and looked forward to teaching his grandkids how to do the same.

Jerry has always looked forward to Halloween. His wife, Bev handmade the costumes each year and the tradition has grown over the years to include the children and grandchildren, the last outing being October 28, 2023 with 10 matching Wilderness Nymphs and ended with winning a trophy for best costume at Pour Willies.

Jerry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and taking the grandkids on the golf cart, berry picking or picking apples from his beloved apple trees. He was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings and would not miss a Sunday game, making sure to keep friends and family updated on the scores and making sure everyone did their pick sheets on time. He was able to go watch a Vikings game at the US Bank Stadium in 2022 with his sons. Over the years, Jerry had many dogs that he loved dearly, his last Sam, a black lab that became his hunting buddy. 

Jerry was a member of the Eagles club for 47 Years and made it a point to donate to many other local organizations. He also supported his dear friends in many endeavors and was a proud sponsor of Reed & Reed Racing. He was an avid bowler, curler, trap shooter, and golfer. Scoring a perfect 300 in bowling in 2007 and excelling at almost anything he competed in. He was active in many other sports including wrestling and softball, for which he sponsored and played on the Coca Cola softball team for more than 43 years. He was passionate about supporting his two sons through the years in various sports and traveling with them around the world as they competed in Curling. He enjoyed horseshoe tournaments and any excuse to have a drink his long time buddies. Jerry knew how to have a good time and always looked for reasons to celebrate. His confidence in many areas of his life created a great amount of luck for Jerry, if there was one winning pull tab in the box, he could find it.

Jerry always said, “Everything comes out in the wash.” We truly believe this is such a testament to Jerry’s spirit. Quick to understand, but slow to speak. He had an endearing wit, kind heart and a fierce conviction for what he believed. Jerry has forever left a mark on the lives he has touched, to say he will be deeply missed is an understatement. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Beverly Stevens; his two sons Matthew (Rachel) Stevens and Cody (Ashley) Stevens; and three grandchildren; Bexley, Ryker and Daxton Stevens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mickey Stevens, and sister, Joann (Stevens) Carlson.

Memorial Service to be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji with a visitation at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jerry’s name to Bemidji Youth Curling or Bemidji Youth Baseball.

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