Gerald J. "Jerry" Zirbes

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud to celebrate the life of Gerald J. “Jerry” Zirbes, age 66, of St. Cloud who passed peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Friday, April 27, 2012 after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. Reverend Thomas Knoblach will officiate. Entombment will take place in Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum in St. Cloud.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and one hour prior to the services at church on Wednesday. Parish prayers will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Jerry was born on November 2, 1945, to Mathew “Mike” and Evelyn (Hippler) Zirbes. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Kroll, on August 26, 1965 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. They lived all their married life in St. Cloud. He was employed at the City of St. Cloud for 35 years. Jerry was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and Eagles Aerie #622.

Jerry was a man who devoted his time to his wife, his children and his grandchildren. Family was an anchor in his life where he shared his time and love. He faced his illness with quiet strength, determination and his faith in God. He continued keeping family upmost in his thoughts and actions. Jerry took pride in the upkeep of his yard and showed endless dedication to his physical exercise routine. Carol and he enjoyed life with simple pleasures, joy in everyday moments, gratitude and doing something together every day.

He lived his life practicing the principles he believed in. Instead of being the person in the center of things, he was the type of man who worked from behind the scenes. Often, this meant impacting the good in others’ lives without needing acknowledgement or recognition.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Deborah (Sam) DeLeo of St. Cloud; son, Brian (fiancée Heather Kossow) Zirbes of St. Cloud; grandchildren, Matt, Lauren, and Claire DeLeo and Kyle and Chloe Zirbes; sister, Brenda (Marvin) Oachs of Garrison, Minnesota; sister-in-laws, Betty Kroll and Sandy (Bob) Claussen. He will also be missed by our lifetime friends, Diane and Bill Weyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Bill.

The Family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Falloon, Dr. Al Khatib, the staff at Coborn Cancer Center, the St. Cloud Hospital and St. Cloud Home Care and Hospice.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the Ronald McDonald House, Minneapolis, Birthline, St. Cloud or to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.