Jon Geldert, age 58, of Coon Rapids died March 31st at home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Jon was a true Minnesota, Twin Cities, guy. He was born (on March 21, 1964) and raised in Mpls where he attended Jenny Lind Elementary, Olson Jr. High and graduated from Patrick Henry High School. He lived his adult years in the northern suburbs of Brooklyn Center, Mounds View and Coon Rapids. He was a huge Minnesota sports fan, cheered his beloved Twins on to 2 World Series titles, fiercely supported his Minnesota Vikings, ever hoping for that elusive Superbowl win and was saddened when his North Stars moved to Dallas.
Jon and his wife Linda (Tharp) became friends as teenagers, were a couple for over 38 years and married for over 31 years. Jon was a very caring and protective husband to Linda, ever watchful for any harm that could come her way. Jon and Linda did everything together as a team. Everyday things like shopping, cooking, chores and exciting things like trips to see the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Graceland, the Statue of Liberty, the Las Vegas strip, Niagara Falls and the Football Hall of Fame. Name any rock group from the 80’s and early 90’s and Jon and Linda had probably seen them in concert at least once. Jon and Linda did the annual Humane Society Walk for Animals for over 30 years, raising thousands of dollars to help the animals. They also volunteered for the National Kidney Foundation.
Jon and Linda were together so much that their names became one and at many family gatherings a young niece or nephew could be heard yelling “Jonlinda are here!” as they arrived. Jon doted on his nieces and nephews (Nicole and Keith Dillard, Leah and Matt Germishuys, Heather Geldert, Tyler Toskey, Lauren Reynolds, Blake Penick and Peyton Golembeck). They have wonderful memories of him taking them to baseball games, Valleyfair, picnics and to see Santa Claus. He even played Santa Claus years ago for the older nieces and nephew.
Jon was deeply saddened when his father Ed Geldert passed away in 1989. He mourned the losses of his stepfather Noel Henning, uncle Eddy Radil, his aunt Delores Jorgensen, uncle Tom Geldert, father-in-law Wally Tharp, all his grandparents including his grandma Blanche Radil who he lived with for a short time as a young adult.
Jon loved his mother Beverly Henning very much and feared the day that he would lose her, but he ended up leaving this world before her.
His mother’s friend Maxine says “I will miss Jon so much, he was a great guy.”
Jon loved and cared for his siblings and their spouses.
His big brother Jeff Geldert said “Jon was the best brother anyone could ever have.”
Sister Michelle Reynolds says “Jon was my hero.”
Little sister Dawn Golembeck said “I love Jon and will miss him more than all the stars in the many skies.”
Jon and his siblings have many wonderful memories together including Jon and Jeff as teens taking an adventure filled cross country road trip with their wild uncle Eddy and Jon who is 12 years older than baby sister Dawn caring for her as a child and making her buttered noodles and them watching the Rockford Files together.
Jon loved animals. His cats Punky (1986-2008), Miley (2008-2018) and Mazey (2011- present) were his “little buddies” each in their own way. Punky and Jon would play and rest together, Miley would sleep on his belly and lovingly head bunt Jon knocking off his glasses and Jon enjoyed watching shy Mazey’s silly antics.
Jon worked most of his years in the document management field, first microfilming documents and then as technology advanced scanning documents. He worked a short time in the early 90’s at Zubaz (yes, the striped pants company) and what he loved about that time was he got to get discounted Zubaz’s for the family and meet some famous athletes.
Jon loved to bake sweets for family and friends. Jon took culinary arts classes and won many ribbons for his cakes, cookies and bars at the Anoka County fair and MN State fair.
Jon loved to do trivia and play games, especially the card game 500. His wife Linda says some of Jon’s super powers included being the human calculator (able to add numbers quickly in his head) and being able to identify the make/model/year of any 1970’s muscle car simply by looking at the head and tail lights.
Friends and family remember Jon’s quick wit.
Jon was very helpful to his in-laws, Wally and Joyce Tharp, helping them with things on the computer, finding repair services, doing online shopping and grocery pick up for Joyce after Wally was gone.
Jon had many health problems throughout his life starting when he was a baby. He had many surgeries, had many times in the hospital and did dialysis for a year and a half in his 30’s. Jon was ever grateful for the kidney transplant he received in May 1999 from a deceased donor. Jon always wanted to repay this gift in some way. Jon was a donor on his driver’s license and we are told that he will now be able to give the gift of sight to someone so they can see a beautiful sunset and those they love.
Jon passed away suddenly on March 31, 2022 at the age of 58 years, 10 days. Jon died at his home where he had mostly been confined to for the past 2 years during the pandemic due to being immunocompromised from his transplant meds. His wife Linda was by his side as she had been every moment during the past 2 years.
His family and friends are shocked and saddened that he is gone.
One thing that Jon would like to pass on to everyone is to think of others, try to think of what they are dealing with in their lives, that everything we do and say has a ripple effect on others. Something that seems like an inconvenience to you to do could mean life or death to someone else. Also, that a kind word or gesture can change someone’s day. Don’t let a compliment go unsaid.
Goodbye sweet Jon. You will forever be in our hearts.
Valerie Anderson says
Linda,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Although I didn’t know him personally, I can tell by the description of your life together that he changed the world for the better during his life. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
Valerie Anderson, former coworker at Anoka County
Gil Roscoe IV says
I worked with Jon at Mid-America in the scanning department.
We would always discuss sports while we worked.
Whenever the Twins had a day game we would listen to the game on the radio as we worked.
Jon was always a bright spot in everyone’s day and will be greatly missed.
Laurel says
What a beautiful tribute to Jon. 💕
Linda, you know how sorry I am. I wish I could be with you during this very difficult time. Praying that you will feel God’s love for you.
Julie says
What a beautiful tribute to a really good man. When I think of him I remember his laugh. You have my sympathies Linda.
Deb Anderson says
What a wonderful man Jon was. I’m so very sorry for your loss Linda. You two were made for each other. Time does heal but the hurt is so real now. I pray God’s love will guide you through this hard time now and in the future.
Carol Fleischer says
I was so saddened to hear about Jon. May the wonderful times and memories that you have together help bring you peace. I admired Jon’s baking skills and him entering contests. You and Jon were the dynamic duo always doing things together. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead Linda.
Jill Plaisance says
I have good memories of Jon. One Halloween, Jon and Linda dressed up like zombie chefs. I will miss Jon’s infectious laugh. And his sense of humor. He will be missed. Linda I’m so sorry.
Angie Geldert says
Linda,
You so captured Jon. He was such a gift to us, as are you. He was the best and most generous of heart. Our girls couldn’t have had a better uncle and aunt. The two of you were such an amazing team. We love you both and feel the deep loss. We are here for you. We are all still in shock.
Cindy Keenan says
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss! Prayers to you and your family, sending hugs and heartfelt love to you.
Jill Oswskey says
Linda,
I am sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family during this difficult time. Based on your tribute, Jon has touched the lives of many people in a kind and generous way. I think the best way to honor Jon is for the Twins and Vikings to win a championship this year.
Bonita Hoag says
Linda, I never met Jon but after reading about his love of life, somehow I feel his loss. I am so sorry I never got to meet him.
You are blessed that you found each other.
I wish I had magic words to brighten this very sad time.
Susan Thomas says
Linda and the family, Jon was such a kind and gentle soul. I am proud to be his big sister. Love Susan
Kate (Kruppenbacher) Lasco says
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. What a joy to spend your life with someone like Jon. I pray for your peace as you grieve.
Gil Roscoe Jr. says
My condolences to Linda and the family.
I worked with Jon at Mid-America Business Systems and always enjoyed talking to him.
He was always upbeat and fun to talk to about sports.
I was sad to hear the news.
He will be missed.
Jon and all of you will remain in my prayers.
With Sympathy,
Gil Roscoe Jr.
Erin Kunzman says
Dear Linda,
My heart breaks for you. It was always known that Jon was your true love and soulmate. He will be missed. I will always remember how excited we all were after the Society walk – we always donated not only because it was a good cause but because it meant we would get a baggie of delicious caramel popcorn – so yummy!!!