Gerald Cambronne

Gerald Robert Cambronne, age 86, of Anderson Twp. passed away Wednesday morning, December 10, 2014. Gerald was born in St. James, Watonwan County, Minnesota, to Nels Theodore and Helen (Bottem) Cambronne on May 7, 1928. They lived on his grandparents’ farm and the rural school was located 3 miles from there. Because of that long distance he stayed with his other grandparents, Thor and Shari Bottem, in St. James on weekdays to attend first grade. It was here that he made his famous home run. He ran home to his grandparents’ house when he was told to “run home” after hitting the ball out of the infield. In 1937 the family moved to a farm Jerry’s parents purchased near Walnut Grove, Minnesota. He enjoyed living there because it was near the Cottonwood River. He spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and trapping in that area. After graduating from Lamberton High School, Jerry worked at various jobs in the area and in South Dakota. He was drafted into the Army on November 30, 1950, and after completing his training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he was sent to Korea. He served on the front lines for eight months during the Korean War. After Korea he was stationed in northern Japan. Jerry received an honorable discharge from Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin, on August 30, 1952, and resumed farming with his dad on the family farm. Gerald was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Granquist on April 11, 1959. To their union three sons were born, one of whom was born premature and died at birth. They lived on and operated the family farm until health issues forced them to relocate and downsize to a smaller farm in the Trade Lake, Wisconsin area. They lived there until building a home and retiring in the Trade River area. Jerry enjoyed out-of -door activities including hunting, fishing and camping. He liked music and at a young age taught himself to play the accordion - a talent he maintained and enjoyed for the rest of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; a premature infant son; a brother, John Cambronne; sister-in-law, Donna Cambronne; sisters-in-law, Betty L. Woodruff and Barbara Haakenson; and brother-in-law, Wayne Woodruff. Surviving are his wife, Beverly; his sons, Kevin (Mary Kay) Cambronne and Craig (Sandy) Cambronne; as well as grandchildren: Jessica Cambronne, Martin Cambronne, Melissa (John) Broich, Eric Cambronne; and great granddaughter, Rachel Broich. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Cambronne; sister-in-law, Connie Cambronne; brothers-in-law: Orren Granquist, Orville (Estelle) Granquist, and Raymond Granquist. Jerry loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be greatly missed by both his family and friends. The funeral service for Gerald R. Cambronne will be conducted at 2:00 pm (visitation 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm) on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Trade River Evangelical Free Church, 20296 State Rd 87, Grantsburg WI (Town of Anderson), with Pastor Dale Van Deusen officiating. Full military honors will conclude the service followed by interment in the church cemetery. Casket bearers are Allen Cambronne, Jeff Lade, Zac Smeltzer, Robert Day, John Broich, and Ted Haupt. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.