Gerald "Jerry" Reitmeier, age 76, of Crookston, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born in Crookston on September 10, 1949, son of Arnold and Mildred (Casmey) Reitmeier. 

He graduated from Crookston High School in 1967. After graduation, Jerry had many jobs. Throughout the years, he was working for several local farmers, doing taxidermy, driving school bus, and worked for Crookston Township for over 20 years. Most proudly, he owned and operated Border Water Ice Fishing on Lake of the Woods with his son, Jeremy, for the last 12 years.

On August 22, 1970, Jerry married Suzanne Challstrom of Fridley, Minnesota. They were married for 55 years; they have two children: Jeremy Reitmeier of Crookston and Sarah Pauline Reitmeier of Fargo. They've been blessed with three beloved grandchildren; Jeremy Mark, Kali, and Jeran. Jerry also leaves behind two sisters, Julie (Regeimbal) MacCallum and Laure (Regiembal) Kruse; his niece, Raielle; nephew, Justin; and sister-in-law, Sandra Challstrom.

Jerry loved hunting and fishing, but his pride and joy were his Chevelles and his favorite place to be was Brainerd International Raceway, where he raced with Jeremy every summer for over 30 years. He made many great friends at BIR and looked forward to those special weekends all year long.

Jerry fought cancer with strength, dignity, and courage, relying on the same energy he used to win on the racetrack. He was eternally grateful to the stem cell donor to fight his cancer and hoped to someday be able to thank him in person.

Jerry's memory will live on in the stories he shared, the waters he fished, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Reitmeier; mother, Mildred Regeimbal; stepfather, Rene Regeimbal; sister, Pauline Reitmeier; and brother, Mark Regeimbal.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, Minnesota at 6:00 p.m. Visitation with his family will be one-hour prior. The service will be livestreamed, a link to which will be available at www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries/gerald-jerry-reitmeier

In lieu of flowers, Jerry's family requests that you spend time with those you love and take your family fishing.