Jerome Leonel Laurin, 82, born October 16, 1938, in Argyle, Minnesota, died February 10, 2021, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Jerome was known as "Jerry" by all of his close family and friends.

Jerome was the oldest child born to Omer and Viola Laurin, both deceased; siblings include his sister Kay still in southern California and a brother Norm, who preceded Jerome's death.

As a family, they moved to Southern California when Jerome was four years of age.  He was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Prus the Tenth primary and secondary school.  Jerome worked hard to help his parents.  He worked throughout his high school years as a tailor apprentice, and his income from his part-time job helped support their family and home.

Following high school graduation Jerome enlisted in the Air Force Services.  Basic training was in San Antonio and later stationed at Shilling Air Force Base in Salina.  At this time, the young recruit and his friend wanted to meet and enjoy their time in Salina, so they asked a friend to set them up with a possible date from the local Cosmetology School, where Irma happens to be a student.

A 60-year love affair that resulted in 9 children, two adoptions, 33 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren all began with a blind date and a little white.  Jerome asked Irma where she was from, and Irma thought a minute, thinking it was none of his business, and she replied that she was from California.  Jerome, even more, curious questioned, "Where about in California?" Irma responded, with the first thing that came to her mind, "Los Angeles." So, Jerome asked for even more details, "Where about in Los Angeles?" Irma could not think fast enough, as she had hardly ventured beyond the state lines.  Jerome knew immediately that Irma was not from Los Angeles, California.  He looked at her and said, "You are not from California, to which Irma replied, "and how would you know, and He said, "Because that is where I am from." Obliviously the lie did not deter Jerome.  All their life, they shared this story with hundreds of family and friends, and that humor led to 60 years of marriage.

Jerry and Irma were married on April 23, 1960, in the Saint Joseph Church, in Damar, Kansas.  Once they were married, they settled in Damar and began their lives with Julie and Jeff, the first of their children.  In 1965 Jerry and Irma moved to Denver, Colorado, and it was there that they added Jack, Jill, John, and Jason.

In 1972, Jerry and Irma moved back to Damar, built their home, remained their home for the next 20 years, and added Jean, Jana, Joy, and Joel.

A highlight of their marriage was a trip to California to visit family. Irma had to convince Jerome to attend a taping of The Price is Right -- and dang, if JEROME did not WIN the WHOLE SHOWCASE, winning a jackpot of prizes.  Especially a brass telescope that all the grandkids knew was "hands-off," as it was a keepsake from this moment.

Jerome and Irma raised their children in the Catholic faith. Jerome's faith was always the center of his life; he was dedicated to his daily rosary, attendance to Mass, and his work within the Knights of Columbus, where he was a Grand Knight.

Family time was most important to Jerome.  He especially loved his trips with his boys on their yearly hunt for elk.  Jerome was always up to be their kitchen help and dishwasher.

Jerome worked and provided for the family in various labor fields, from a service parts man to the oil field, a county grader operator, and a grain elevator manager.  Jerome never knew a stranger, and it was this trait that he was most known for with his family and friends.  He had an easy way with conversations and sharing stories.  Jerome would enjoy spending his mornings and afternoons with a scenic drive through the community in his retirement.  The grandkids often teased him that they needed to get a "star" for the side of his car, as he was always on "patrol." He would stop and visit with whomever he would come across, and those conversations were his way of staying connected to his neighbors and friends.  It was the people that Jerome became acquainted with over the years that became his reason for raising his family in the small communities in western Kansas.

He will forever be known as never knowing a stranger, befriending anyone he came in contact with, and his love for sharing stories as they were plentiful.

Dad was always available for a conversation, advice, and his most infamous saying, "it will all work out," as he believed worrying for tomorrow troubles takes away from today's joy.  There was never a time when he did not believe that everything would forever turn out "all right."

Cremation was chosen.  A Memorial Mass Will be held Sat. March 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Damar, with Father Henry Saw Lone officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph or St. Francis Catholic Churches.