Jerry Taft

Minot

Air Force

Jerry Taft, 88, Minot, ND, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022, at his home.

Jerry Taft was born to Albert and Letha (Hersey) Taft in Helena, Montana on March 25, 1934, the eleventh of thirteen children. The family later moved to Metaline Falls, WA. During his school years Jerry was active in all sports. He graduated from Metaline Falls High School in 1952, and it was there that he met his former wife, MaryJane (Aalde) Taft. From that union, four children were born.

He attended Eastern Washington College and went onto graduate in 1961 from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In 1961, Dr. Jerry Taft enlisted in the United States Air Force Dental Corps. He was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, MI; Hahn AFB, Germany; and Minot AFB, ND. After his discharge from the USAF in 1970, he maintained a private dental practice in Minot, retiring in 1995. He served as the dentist at the Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center for several years after his retirement.

Jerry married Sandra (Sandi) Twete on January 8, 1983.

Hunting and fishing were his lifelong enjoyments. Many great friends, memories, and tall tales came from those experiences. As a skilled craftsman, Jerry enjoyed woodworking. From birdhouses, picture frames, inlaid tables, to kitchen cabinets, attention was paid to the last detail.

Jerry’s accomplishments were many: President of the Minot Gun Club for 15 years; active in the Minot Elks Club for many years; was always the first person to help out when there was a need, whatever that need may have been; raised his children to be strong, capable, independent, and caring individuals, accomplishments of which he was most proud; and was an example to many and had a big heart for all.

In Jerry’s later years, he and Sandi Spent the winters in the southern states, enjoying the weather, friends, and especially fishing.

His loving family includes: wife of 39 years, Sandi; children: Toben (Blenda) Taft, Minot; Mardi (Mark) Bolinske, Gold Canyon, AZ; Brad (MaryAnn) Taft, Edgewood, MD; Melissa (Steven) Adamski, St. Paul, MN; 7 Grandchildren: Carlan (Karna) Taft, Heather (Dustin) Senger, Jennifer Taft, Philip (Janice) Taft, Josiah Taft, Jesse Taft, and Isaiah (Lina) Taft; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Cindy (Donald) Fast and Kaareen Harrison; sister: Allene Miller; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by: parents; 9 sisters and 2 brothers; former wife, MaryJane Taft; and very special friend, Dick Fleck.

At Jerry’s request, there will be no funeral services. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21 from 1-3 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to donors choice.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 18, 2023.