Gerald "Jerry" Macken – Rochester

Gerald Eugene Macken, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, after having lived a great and enjoyable life. Jerry was born on January 23, 1940 in Rochester, Minnesota to Donald and Mabel (Mogen) Macken. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1958. Jerry's love for sports prompted him to participate in all of the sports he could in high school. He lettered in football and in hockey for four years, track for five years, and was co-captain of the Rochester High School football team. His senior year he made All-conference and All-state football in 1958. He was captain of the South All-Star All-state football squad and they won the All-state game. He went on to the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship where he played Center and Middle Linebacker. Jerry was on the University of Minnesota National Championship Team in 1960 and he went to the Rose Bowl in 1961.

He joined the Army in 1962. While in the Army he was proud to have played football for the Third Infantry Division in Europe during the Cold War. Jerry was proud that he had quit smoking and drinking in 1978. On January 30th, 1979, he married Jane "Phoebe" Simonson and said it was a match made in heaven. Jerry and Jane had a love-filled life raising their children, Jerry Jr. and Jen. Nobody was more proud of their children than Jerry.  Jerry's life was about family and he said, almost daily, that he was the luckiest guy in the world because of his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and his dogs. Jerry became a union carpenter for 20 years following college, a back operation forced him to choose a different career so he worked as a Financial Specialist for Olmsted county for the next 22 years. Jerry had many hobbies and shared his love of them with his number-one hunting and fishing partner, Phoebe. He loved time at their cabin, camping, gardening, swimming, making maple syrup, and following his grandchildren in everything and anything he was able to attend.

Jerry loved coaching and he coached youth sports when the opportunity arose, regardless of the sport. He was an assistant track coach at Lourdes High School. Jerry was proud that he became certified in Open Water Scuba Diving at the age of 63. He was always proud of his Norwegian and Irish Heritage. He touched the lives of many with his larger-than-life personality, his wonderful sense of humor, his never-ending kindness, his adventurous will, and his love for family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, soulmate, best friend, and hunting and fishing partner, Jane; his children, Jerry (Kris) Macken of Rosemount, MN,  Jen (Mika Matzen) of Denver, CO; grandchildren Finn Macken, Delaney Macken, Evy Macken, Rowan Macken, Shepherd Matzen and Magnolia Matzen.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fabian Macken.

Jerry was always giving advice to someone about something. He wanted to share these parting remarks with you: "Tell those you love that you love them. Tell those you like that you like them. Tell those you don't like to go to hell, and then hope that you don't see them again. Slainte!"

The Celebration of Life service for Jerry will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, February 11, 2025  in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Karen Foster. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, February 10, 2025 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Please feel free to dress in your favorite St. Patrick's Day green for Jerry's celebration of life since Kelly Green was Jerry's favorite celebratory color.

A special thank-you is extended to the many extended family and friends for their love and support throughout Jerry's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Poverello Fund, Mayo Hospice, or the ACLU.