Jerry Allery

Jerry Alan Allery passed away at his family home on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

He was born on March 14, 1958, in Devils Lake, N.D., to Ruth Miranda Allery (Falstad) and Leo Ernest Allery, the youngest of eight children. He grew up with his seven siblings on the Spirit Lake Nation at Woodlake, where his days were spent swimming, fishing, and hunting. Jerry attended the Little Flower Indian Mission School in St. Michael, ND, from first to eighth grade. From there, he started high school at Warwick High School and then transferred to Central High School in Devils Lake, ND.

After graduating from Central High School in Devils Lake, ND, in 1976, he attended Lake Region Junior College and earned his Architectural Draftsman Certificate. From there, he was employed at Target Roofing as a sheet metal fabricator and then later at the North Dakota School for the Deaf in the Physical Plant as a member of the Maintenance Staff. Jerry loved attending live music performances, collecting coins, attending his children’s various performances, reading news and novels, and was always up for taking on a home project.

Jerry is best known for his kind spirit, love of family, sense of humor, and gentle nature. He was a beloved and kind husband, father, son, sibling, uncle, relative, and friend. He will be missed so much by so many. His family and friends are very thankful for his presence in their lives.

In the spring of 2021, Jerry was diagnosed with a brain tumor in his frontal lobe caused by an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. The prognosis was not favorable, but Jerry was a fighter who defied the odds. For nearly five years, he lived fully while battling his cancer, with Rhonda, Olivia, Jace, and Nick by his side. He benefited from novel treatments, including specialized chemotherapy matched to his cancer’s molecular markers, targeted radiation, and surgeries coordinated across four medical systems spanning two states. Jerry spent his final days surrounded by family and friends at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rhonda Allery (Olson); his children, Olivia Allery, Jace Riggin (spouse: Nick Dalton); his siblings, Mary Ann Allery (partner: Clara Nolz), Diane Shanley, Ruth Ann King, Gene Allery (spouse: Rene), and Annette Borstad; his mother-in-law Jean Olson; his brothers-in-law Michael Olson (spouse: Eliza), Corey Olson (spouse: Buffy); and numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ruth Allery; his siblings, Leo “Sonny” Allery Jr. and Joanne Monette (spouse: Robert); his brother-in-law, John King; and his father-in-law, Rae Olson.

Memorials in Jerry’s honor may be sent to the following nonprofit organizations – The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – Rochester MN; Glioblastoma Foundation

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services for Jerry will be on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Pankratz officiating. There will be a time of fellowship to follow the funeral services in the church dining hall.