Gerald Dale Fleming, 91, passed peacefully away on February 15th, 2025. He was born in San Francisco on January 1st , 1934 to Ernest Herbert Fleming and Geraldine Beatrice Castle. He spent his childhood years in Fallon, Nevada, before enlisting and serving in the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1953 to 1956, stationed in Germany.
In 1959, Gerald visited an army friend in Dodge Center, Minnesota, where he met and fell in love with Lennis Marie Henslin. They were married on March 18th 1960 and raised their 3 boys together in their home where they lived together until he passed. Gerald and Lennis were married for almost 65 years, enjoying yearly family vacations out West, Saturday afternoon drives, and spending time with their boys and their families. Gerald’s lifelong career as a truck mechanic included time at Universal Ford, Rochester Ford, and Interstate GMC, before he fulfilled his dream of opening his own shop, Southside Truck Service, which he ran until he retired at age 77.
Gerald’s faith and belief in God was central to his life. He was deeply devoted to his church and never hesitated to share the Seventh-day Adventist message with those he came in contact with. He served as a deacon and spent many years filling literature boxes around Rochester, in hopes of sharing the good news of Jesus’ Second Coming. He had great passion for Christian education, which led him to help establish the Greene Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Elementary School in 1972. Greene Valley left a legacy of faith and learning that impacted many lives, including his own children and grandchildren.
Gerald is survived by his three sons, Dale (Kirsten), David (Marla), and Gerald “Sam” (Amy). He was a proud grandfather to Joshua (Rebecca), Lydia (Greg) Learned, Elliot, Amund, Cora, and Grant, and a great-grandfather to Ezra and Isla. He is survived by his siblings Dana and Marge Inman. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Patricia Bourgeois and brother Richard Fleming.
Gerald will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his generous spirit, and his dedication to family and friends. His great humor, funny stories, and most importantly his unwavering belief in God’s promises will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. Just like Gerald, the family eagerly awaits Christ’s soon Second Coming(1st Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
There will be a committal service with full military honors on May 16 at 3:00 pm at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota (please plan to arrive at 2:45) with a time of gathering afterwards.
I remember rides to the school and hanging out at the homestead till mom got done at work. Gerald was a hard worker but he always had a quip to share. Sometimes they were groaners, but it sure lightened the day up for me! Hugs to the whole family. So sorry about his passing. May the Holy Spirit comfort you all.
My prayers are with you in this time of grief . I know how hard it is to lose a parent and for Lennis to loose her husband . You have my sympathy . My love to you all .