Jerry Dean Eyler

Jerry Dean Eyler

Andover, MN

Jerry Dean Eyler, age 80, of Andover, Minnesota, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Jerry was the son of Elmo Neal Eyler and Wanda May (McCosh) Eyler. He grew up in Iowa and graduated from Winfield–Mt. Union High School. Jerry pursued higher education with dedication and excellence, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Purdue University. He was an officer in the Illinois National Guard.

On June 11, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to Sandra Jean Garnass at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Manly, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with 58 years of love, partnership, and family.

Jerry enjoyed a distinguished professional career marked by leadership and service. He served as Dean at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin, and held numerous manufacturing leadership roles, including Vice President of Manufacturing at Valmet in Appleton, Wisconsin, and Divisional Superintendent with John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. He also dedicated his talents to nonprofit work as Executive Director of the Iowa Head Injury Association. Jerry retired in 2012.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Eyler, of Andover, Minnesota; his children, Dean Eyler (Jennifer) of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Stacy Germundson (Dan) of Nisswa, Minnesota; and his grandchildren, Luke Eyler, Owen Eyler, Gaje Germundson, and Ellen Germundson.

He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Eyler (Maria) of Tucson, Arizona; brother-in-law James Garnass (Donna); and many cherished nieces and nephews: Michelle Eyler (Sam), Lisa Eyler, Patti Stouch (Brian), Tina Sineni (Frank), Todd Eyler (Susan), Erik Garnass, and Leif Garnass (Brandi); along with great-nieces and great-nephews Galen, Mathias, Annika, Landon, Tiana, Miera, Evan, Tess, Ethan, Brody, Ava, Jacob, and Kyle, and many close friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Wanda Eyler; his brother, Richard Eyler; his parents-in-law, Arnold and Zola Garnass; and his sister-in-law, Marcia Garnass.

Jerry’s life was defined by love of family, leadership, and empowering people. He was positive, outgoing and friendly, and known by so many people for the way he always made them feel seen and affirmed. Jerry was a problem solver who always focused on building relationships and supporting others. He valued education and service, and he will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, and unconditional love. He loved music, and sang in many choirs. He also enjoyed sports with friends and family, followed UNI and Iowa, and was a rare fan of both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. He especially loved going to countless games and concerts involving his grandchildren. He also loved spending time at family cabins on Girl Lake and Woman Lake in northern Minnesota. He found joy in everyday experiences - he made life fun.

A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Avenue, Anoka, MN, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1:00. It will also be live streamed: https://youtube.com/live/dVo085hOWeo?feature=share. Visitation will begin at 12:00 at Zion Lutheran Church.

Inurnment will take place at Silver Lake Cemetery, rural Lake Mills, Iowa, at a later date.

Should friends desire, memorials may be directed in Jerry’s honor to: The Arnold and Zola Garnass Scholarship, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, IA 50456; The Eyler/Garnass Scholarship, Fox Valley Technical College Foundation (1825 N. Bluemound Drive, PO Box 2277, Appleton, WI 54912-2277); BOLD Inc. (girlsarebold.org); Minnesota Urban Debate League (2211 Riverside Avenue, CB26 Minneapolis, MN 55454); UNI Foundation, 204 Commons, Cedar Falls, IA 56414.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly IA, 50456. ColonialChapels.com