Gerald "Gerry" Bosshardt, 75, passed away on June 30, 2023, in The Villages, Fla., after a courageous battle with Lewy Body disease.

To all that knew him, Gerry was a kind, thoughtful man, who was generous with his time, love and knowledge. Born in Austin, Minn., Gerry grew up on his family farm outside of Fairbaugh, Minn., with his parents Merle and Flora and brother Tom. He attended the University of Minnesota-St. Paul, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and a Masters in Education, and was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho and Alpha Tau Alpha fraternities. He proudly followed in both his parents' footsteps, serving in the U.S. Army (Army Reserves for 13 years) through the rank of Captain.

Gerry married the love of his life Judy on July 1, 1972, celebrating just one day short of 51 years of marriage. Together, they had their only child Jennifer, although many would call Gerry their de facto dad throughout the years. Gerry enjoyed a career of teaching, first as an agriculture and woodshop high school teacher running the FHA program, and then as a corporate trainer and marketing executive for both DeLaval and Farmland Foods. His work took the family to Plainview, Minn., and Lancaster, Penn., before settling in Kansas City, Mo., for nearly 30 years. For the last 12 years, Gerry and Judy have called The Villages, Fla., home, where he found a new love of shuffleboard.

Gerry was an avid woodworker, gifting his friends and family with annual Christmas and birthday gifts that will carry his legacy forward for generations to come. He was the absolute best Papa to his two grandchildren Ethan and Claire, teaching Ethan how to throw a football and playing games with Claire.

Gerry is survived by his wife Judy Bosshardt, his daughter Jennifer Smith, son-in-law Sean Smith and grandchildren Ethan and Claire Smith, brother Tom (Carol) Bosshardt, special sister-in-law Mary Kautz and nephew Justin (Sara) Sampsel, siblings-in-law Janice (Dave) Carpenter and Jim (Carla) Thompson and numerous other family members and friends.