Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Lautner

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad and husband Gerald (Jerry) Lautner after a courageous battle with cancer on March 16, 2020. Jerry was born on January 11, 1951 in Melville, SK to Anthony and Elizabeth Lautner, younger brother to his sister Eleanor. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school at Happy Centre School District from grades 1 to 8. He attended Melville High School, graduating in 1969. During his school years he was involved with the local 4H Club, working on the farm and drove the local taxi for a while. After graduating, he moved to Brandon to attend the Brandon Technical School where he received his Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic Certificate which included the Red Seal Designation. Following his time in Brandon, Jerry moved to Regina where he worked for Abramson Enterprises as a mechanic and relief truck driver. While working there he met and continued many long-time friendships. On August 16, 1980, Jerry married Lou Anne (nee McKay) whom he had met through mutual friends playing in a curling game, where he “fell for her” literally on the ice to get her attention. In 1985 they welcomed their first son, Allan. In the fall that year Jerry made a change in his employment, and the family moved to Prince Albert. Jerry, who was an avid fisherman and hunter, wanted to be closer to the northern lakes and hunting availability. In 1986 they welcomed their second son, Bryce. During this time, he worked for Northland Trucks, and later for Ruszkowski Enterprises. His final career move was to Parks Canada at Waskesiu where he retired in 2011. Jerry was known for his very dry sense of humor. He could remember dates and events and enjoyed his time outdoors. He loved to fish with both Allan and Bryce. He always enjoyed the “Besnard Lake” trips and couldn’t wait till fall to go hunting with Bryce. He enjoyed building/fabricating whether it was for his sons, work or his hunting crew: walking sticks or that famous “Raider Bell”. He was the go-to guy to weld many items that could be found around the National Park. He was a dedicated Raider season ticket holder since the early 2000s. He was cheering on the Raiders from his hospital bed when they made their run for the Memorial Cup last season. During his years of work, Jerry received many accolades such as long service award, mechanic awards and was very proud to have been a participant is setting up the exams for the Heavy-Duty Mechanics curriculum at Kelsey Institute. He was also on the Union Executive during his time at Parks Canada. He was very proud of his sons’ accomplishments, maybe not always telling them that, but he was happy to see them being happy. He was their biggest fan when both Allan and Bryce played hockey, driving to many rinks over the years. Fishing trips with the boys were the ones Jerry enjoyed the most as he was able to spend time with them. Jerry always enjoyed the family camping trips, fishing tips, trips to Plentywood back in the day. He was a big fan of the Daytona 500 trips, Brainerd NHRA races, hot holidays to Dominican Republic, Venezuela Cancun, Rincon des Guayabitos and to British Columbia to visit Allan and Alanna. All trips were a highlight to him and he looked forward to travelling whenever he could whether that was with his buddies, family, or just Lou Anne. Jerry had a strong faith in his Church, he was very involved at Calvary United Church where he was “the money counter” and served on the Property Committee for many years. He is survived by his wife, Lou Anne who was with him throughout his journey with cancer; his sons Allan (Alanna) and Bryce; his sister, Eleanor; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews, who will miss their Uncle. Jerry will be remembered by his many friends who gave him the nickname of Seed. Jerry was predeceased by his father Anthony, his mother Elizabeth, and his parents-in-law Howard and Phyllis McKay, along with many other relatives. The family would like to thank Dr. G. Surkan, Dr. J. Stakiw, Dr. Mark Bosch, Dr. Assem; the Nurses at the Cancer Clinic – Preslie, Amanda, and Brittany; staff on the ODC Unit, Chemo Unit, Oncology and Stem Cell Units at RUH. Thank you to Renee, Erin and Tamara. Jerry appreciated each and every one of you on his journey. Memorial Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to Royal University Hospital – Stem Cell Program, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, or Calvary United Church Benevolent Fund – 114 25th street East Prince Albert, SK S6V 1S5. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at a later date. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.