Ronald Jerome McCandless was born on January 28, 1922, at the family home in Luverne, Minnesota. He was the son of Rollin and Catherine (Rethlake) McCandless. Jerry was baptized as an infant on February 5, 1922, at St. Catherine's Church in Luverne, Minnesota, and later confirmed in his faith as an adult at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. He received his education in Litchfield and was a graduate of the Litchfield High School Class of 1940. Jerry entered active military service in the United States Army Air Force and the United States Navel Reserves on September 23, 1943, and served his country during World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 26, 1946.

On March 23, 1950, Jerry was united in marriage to Lois Mildred Danielson, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, James Jerome, Carol Joan, Jean Marie and Janet Susan. Jerry and Lois resided in Grove City, Minnesota. They later moved to Hutchinson. They shared 62 years of marriage.

Jerry owned and operated McCandless Construction Company (excavating and road grading) in Pennock, Minnesota. He was later employed at Cargill in Litchfield, Minnesota. Jerry was a member of Christ The King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of Hutchinson American Legion Post #96 and Litchfield and Eden Valley Bowling League.

Jerry enjoyed cards and bowling. He was an avid Minnesota Twins Baseball fan. Jerry was a people person. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Jerry passed away Monday, June 18, 2012, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 90 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Jerry is survived by his:

Wife, Lois McCandless of Hutchinson, MN;

Children, James "Jim" McCandless and his wife, Diane of Litchfield, MN; Carol Higgins and her husband, Wally of Hutchinson, MN; Jean Winslow and her husband, Michael of Newport, OR; Janet Olson and her husband, Barry of Hutchinson, MN;

11 Grandchildren; 6 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren;

Sisters, Joan Johnson and her husband, Jim of Hutchinson, MN; Esther Skeate and her husband, John of Emily, MN; Marietta Sueck and her husband, Lee of Bloomington, MN; Marilyn Krenick and her husband, Joe of St. Paul Park, MN;

Brother, Pat McCandless and his wife, Nancy of Mesa, AZ;

Brother-In-Law, Russell Spading of Newport, MN;

Many other Nieces, Nephews, relatives and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his Parents, Rollin and Catherine McCandless; Sisters, Eileen Hagel and her husband, Donald; Connie Snyder and her husband, Guy; Alice Spading; Brother, Richard "Dick" McCandless (#60046934) and his wife, Esther.