Jerrold Joseph Fogarty, 76, formerly of Dover, Minnesota died unexpectedly Thursday, August 30, 2012 at his home in Laverne, Oklahoma.

Jerry was born June 15, 1936 in Rochester, Minnesota to William and Agnes (Joyce) Fogarty. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1954. He served in the Minnesota National Guard and then worked for IBM. He farmed in the Elgin and Dover areas for many years, was a Grain Buyer and along with his two oldest sons operated Fogarty Trucking and Grain. He married Dorothy Mielke April 22, 1957 in Rochester, MN. They later divorced.

He is survived by son William of Laverne, Oklahoma; daughters, Colleen (Will) Etzbach of Emporia, KS; and Sara (Lem Lloyd) Fogarty of Los Altos Hills, CA. His pride and joy, five grandchildren, Haley, Zach, and Mason Etzbach, Emporia, KS and Celeste and Carly Lloyd, Los Altos Hills, CA; his sister, Mary (Robert) Lynch, of Stewartville, MN and brother, Paul (Judie) of Wabasha, MN.

He was preceded in death by sons, Timothy September 2000 and Patrick September 2006 and an infant daughter, in addition to his brother James, sister-in-law Ann Marie, an infant brother and his parents.

Jerry obtained his private pilot's license, was a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilot Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was also the founder and President of The Old Buzzards Flying Club.  Jerry was a 4H leader for many years while his children were young.

He will be remembered for his creativity as he could draw or build most anything and his musical talents, especially the harmonica and guitar. Jerry encouraged everyone to make sure they had some fun each and every day. He was proud of his Irish heritage, loved farming, music, dancing, whistling, building experimental airplanes, and refurbishing vehicles.

A Funeral Mass will be at 3:00pm Saturday, September 8 ^th at The Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel.  Friends may visit two hours prior to the Funeral Mass on Saturday at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com