Gerald "Jerry" Lee Bailey, 70, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2026.

Jerry was born to James and Ardella (Holthusen) Bailey on September 23, 1955, in Anaconda, Montana.

Jerry grew up in Redby, MN, and attended school in Red Lake, MN, where he was an outstanding athlete on both the basketball court and the football field. In 1972, at the age of 17, Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he quickly advanced in rank, becoming a Sergeant within three years of his four-year commitment. He completed meteorology training and served in artillery, in addition to duties as a Chaser tasked with locating Marine deserters. In 1974, Jerry married Jennifer (Allen) Bailey in Ohio, and they were blessed with two children, Jason in 1976 and Jessica in 1984, whom he was very proud of. After his service to our country, Jerry began working for the Red Lake Forestry Department.

In 1977, Jerry began working for Otter Tail Power Company in Crookston, MN, where he worked until his retirement as lead lineman on a Friday in October of 2016. The following Monday, he went back to work as an independent inspector for various electrical projects across the upper Midwest.

Jerry was a proud member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, the American Legion Post 242 in Fisher, MN, and the East Grand Forks Eagles Club. He loved bantering with Jessica, sharing Marine Corps experiences with Jason, hunting with Stacy and his grandson Jaren, wood carving, and spending time at the cabin he built near Fourtown, MN. It was a place full of shenanigans, laughter, and great times with good friends and family.

When at home, Jerry and Stacy enjoyed gardening, playing with their beloved dog Cedar, and working on projects around the farm. He frequently attended his grandchildren's sporting events, chatted by phone with granddaughters Mable and Greta, and whipped up batches of his famous homemade caramel rolls for his granddaughter Ashlyn. He also made time to visit the casino and share a cocktail or two, along with many stories, with his friends and fellow service members.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ardella Bailey; sister, Sherry Bailey Clark; brother, James Harvey Bailey; nephew, Pat Clark; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his fiancée, Stacy Hangsleben of East Grand Forks, MN; son, Jason (Amber) Bailey of Crookston, MN; daughter, Jessica (Mike) Johnson of Milliken, CO; grandchildren, Jaren and Ashlyn Bailey, and Mable and Greta Johnson; and sister, Rebecca Groves of Red Lake, MN.

Jerry's family will receive friends during his visitation on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN from 1:30-3:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" immediately following the memorial service at I.C. Muggs in Crookston, MN. This reception is open to all of Jerry's family and friends.