Gerald M. Vande Brake

    GERALD MARVIN VANDE BRAKE, age 83, of Luverne, died Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth. He was born August 30, 1942, in Leota, to Dewey and Corneila (Blom) Vande Brake. Jerry graduated from Edgerton High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and had top secret clearance until being discharged in 1964.

    Jerry married Carolyn Groen on April 3, 1987 at the Hope Reformed Church near George, IA. The couple lived in various cities before moving back to Luverne. Jerry was an over the road trucker for various companies for over thirty years. He then worked with Carolyn at the Luverne Bakery for ten years before he began working as parts manager for Peterbilt in Sioux Falls, SD.

    He was a former member of the American Reformed Church in Luverne. He enjoyed watching news shows and the markets on TV.

    Jerry is survived by his wife, Carolyn Vande Brake, Luverne; sister, Darlene Burgers, Washington; two brothers, Larry (Linda) Vande Brake, Texas; and Darrell Vande Brake, California; sister-in-law, Gloria Vande Brake, Big Lake; and many nieces & nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alvin and James Vande Brake; a baby sister, Marcella Vande Brake; and a brother-in-law, Verlyn Burgers.

    Funeral will be 2 pm Wednesday, April 22 at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday. Burial with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW, will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.