Gerald Kay Madson, born March 21st, 1941, died at the age of 82 on December 12th, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Larimore, ND. Gerald, known as Jerry or “Hobie” to his family and friends, was born to Palmer and Aletta (Gilbertson) Madson. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up on his parents’ farm near Niagara, ND, where his passion for farming, repairing, and building began. He was baptized and confirmed at Elk Valley Lutheran Church. Jerry attended the nearby country school and eventually Fordville High School where he graduated in 1961. Soon after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged due to a medical condition before he finished basic training. Jerry then operated an auto service station in Fordville for several years. On the weekends he met his friends at Bachelors Grove to enjoy music and dancing. There Jerry met the love of his life, Janet Stiles from Inkster, ND, and were married on September 12th, 1964. Jer