Jerry Ferda

Jerry Merle Ferda, 72, of Great Falls died on September 23, 2012 in his home of natural causes.Visitation will be at Schnider Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., followed by inurnment in Mount Olivet Cemetery. The reception will follow at St. Joseph's Parish Center. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Jerry was born on April 30, 1940 in Great Falls, Montana. He was a life long member of St. Joseph Parish. He was generous with all he had, a dedicated friend and loved by all who knew him. He entered the U.S. Navy at the age of 17; and was then honorably discharged in 1963. In 1967 he was given the certificate of apprenticeship in Auto Mechanics.Jerry began three decades of service to the Great Falls international airport in 1973. In 1979 he became president of the Golden Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps. During his time at the airport, he was very instrumental in bringing in Great Falls FedEx Branch, and the facility was dedicated to him in the year of 2000.In 1987 he married the love of his life, Iris Wilson. They enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful adventures exploring throughout the United States and abroad.In 2002, he retired from the airport and spent the remainder of his life golfing, taking walks in the park, spending time with his grandchildren and working out at the Peak. He loved to go up to his cabin in Lincoln and go fishing, four-wheeling and boating on the lake. Jerry was a member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose Lodge for over 25 years.He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Iris Ferda of Great Falls, children Leslie (Bob) Burrows, Jill Ferda, Jodi Ferda, Robin (Dennis) Round, Ashley (Allyson) Bright; sisters Georgia Breier, Judy (Rick) Higgins, Debby (Ron) Cooper; 14 grandchildren, William, Michael, Jacob, Whitney, Kendra, Kaylee, Kelsey, Blake, Mackie, Kirsten, Olivia, Haley, Taylor, Caden; and one great grandchild, Peyton; nieces and nephews Carrie, Neal, C.J., and Boyce.He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and George Ferda.At the familys request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, PO Box 6381, Great Falls, MT 59406 or Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405.Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.