Gerald "Jerry" B. Goblirsch

Gerald "Jerry" Bernard Goblirsch, 84, of Kerkhoven, Minnesota, passed away on July 5, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Saturday, July 11th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock with visitation from 9-10:30 am at the church.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home.  www.hafh.org

Jerry was born May 2, 1942, in Morgan, Minnesota, to Herbert and Bertha (Wensman) Goblirsch. He grew up in the Morgan and Redwood Falls area, attended country school through the fourth grade, and graduated from Belview High School in 1960.

On May 14, 1962, Jerry married the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Bernardy, in Seaforth, Minnesota. What began that day would become a marriage of sixty-four years. Together, they built a life across several Minnesota communities — including Milroy and Olivia — before settling in Kerkhoven in 1977, where they made their home and raised their family for nearly five decades.

In December of 1971, Jerry lost his right hand in an accident. It was a traumatic time for the entire family, yet Jerry came to see it as a turning point — and, remarkably, as a blessing. He often said it was the best thing that ever happened to him, because it changed the trajectory of his life. With determination and the support of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, he enrolled at Willmar Area Vocational Technical School and earned his Accounting Clerk degree in 1977. That resolve to meet hardship head-on and turn it into something good was the measure of the man.

Jerry worked for the State of Minnesota at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center for many years. Alongside that work, he found his true calling in accounting, establishing his own business, Goblirsch Tax Service. He retired from the State in 2002 but never truly hung up his hat — he continued serving his tax clients as a self-employed accountant, always ready to lend his steady hand and sharp mind to anyone who needed help.

Faith was the foundation of Jerry's life. A lifelong Catholic, he was baptized in Morgan in 1942 and confirmed in Redwood Falls in 1956 and was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church. He shared his voice as a cantor there throughout the 1990s, lifting others in worship. Jerry also believed in giving back to the community he loved, serving on the Kerkhoven City Council from 2007 to 2018.

But those who knew Jerry will remember him far beyond his accomplishments. He was a man of resilience and quiet grace, a devoted husband, a proud father, and a grandfather who delighted in his grandchildren. He faced life's hardest turns with faith and gratitude, and he left everyone around him a little better for having known him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Patricia; his children, Randall Goblirsch of Kerkhoven, Eric (Maggie) Goblirsch of Willmar, Julie Goblirsch of Willmar, and Heidi (Jeremy) Winter of Kerkhoven; his four cherished grandchildren, Lilyanna, Odin, Jalayna, and Mason; his siblings, Denis (Cindy) Goblirsch of Redwood Falls, Bonnie Keech of Henderson, and Barb Goblirsch of Gilbert; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Bertha; his two sons, Mark and Steven; and three brothers.

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