Gerald George Dederick

Gerald George Dederick 90 of Cohasset, MN passed away June 4, 2023 in Cohasset, MN he was born March 18, 1933 in Grand Rapids, MN

Survived by: Wife Anita Dederick Sister-In-Law Maureen Flaagan, Brother-In-Law Martin (Mimi) Flaagan.

Preceded by: Parents George and Gertrude “Eileen” Dederick

 Gerry grew up in Deer River, playing basketball, and spent time hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time in or around the Deer River area. He served in the Army, and then went on to the University of Minnesota, and studied law.

Gerry covered a lot of different legal ground, but primarily worked on estate planning, and enjoyed a wide variety of clientele varying from software engineers, sanitation development companies, life insurance companies etc, with far too many interesting stories concerning going above and beyond for clients but that’s who and what he was. He was highly respected in his practice, particularly the younger lawyers who admired they way Gerry treated others. He had an impressive “book of business” and maintained it, which is really saying something about the care and attention given.

“There is no substitute for accurate knowledge. Know yourself, know your business, know your men. Lee Iacocca”

Gerry and Anita have been married for 51 years and according to him was the foundation for both their relationship and business practice. They’ve had many pets which were treated more like children and reveled in the stories created by them. They spent their time sharing the wonders of the earth. Watching deer, weather, birds and other wildlife out of their picture window on Deer Lake was certainly a favorite pastime. They tended to informally adopt strays or those that they found interesting, both animals and humans.

In that light, they were beyond generous with our community whether recognized or behind the scenes. They’d help with charitable giving, or silently help someone that just needed a leg up.

Gerry's father would say something along the lines of, “Never forget where you came from and return your blessings to it,” and Gerry certainly lived by that rule.

He also had a great respect for those that he considered bright in their fields and had a voracious appetite for learning about these people. Sone of his favorites included the likes of Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and yes, FOX News. Obviously Gerry did have an interest in politics and if you ever wanted to get him worked up just mention any political question or judicial decision and let him run for a couple of hours…

Some quotes Gerry admired: “The joy of living is his who has the heart to demand it. Life is a great adventure, and I want to say to you, accept it in such a spirit.” ~Teddy Roosevelt

“Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about.” ~Winston Churchill.

And a few colorful quotes from Gerry himself… “Holy O Balls” “Holy Mackarelli” “That **** can’t find his ass with a Geiger counter” “As I’m sure you well know….” followed by something you’ve never even heard of He has been; and will be, treasured by all of us.

But those who trust in the Lord will find their strength renewed. They will mount up on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow weak. Isaiah 40:31

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