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Note: Jerry Odean Forde was born on his grandfather's farm near Emmons, MN in 1938 to Rose and Sam Forde. He was especially close to his brother, Stan. During his school years, he did good academically, and excelled in sports. He lettered in basketball and broke several school records. He had a winning attitude about tasks that he set his mind to. If he decided to tackle something, nothing stopped him until he accomplished it. His manner was peaceful and mild; he was not disturbed easily. Jerry maintained a cheerful disposition regardless of circumstances. (comments from friends and classmates) He sang with the choir and several groups in high school. He graduated with honors. See attached articles and newspaper clippings. Jerry enlisted in the US Navy for four years. Upon discharge he worked for Stan Forde on construction. In 1962, he married Norma Leinen of Sibley, Iowa. They had one daughter, Angela. On February 2, 1965, Jerry was working for Stan on a new overpass bridge on Interstate 80 just outside of Avoca, IA. He bent over and fell off of the bridge 12 feet breaking his neck. The crew loaded him in the car but he died that night at the hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. He was just 26 years old.
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