Jerry Thomas Freitag, 86

Plummer – Jerry Thomas Freitag, 86, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Fergus Falls.
Jerry was born on June 29, 1940, in Deer Creek to Herbert and Violet Bertha (Wendt) Freitag. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek. Jerry attended several schools in the Deer Creek, Wadena, and Verndale areas before graduating from Fergus Falls High School.
Jerry proudly served his country in the Air National Guard based in Fargo, ND.
Throughout his working years, Jerry built a career centered on serving others and fostering relationships. Early in life, he worked at Arctic Cat, where he traveled with the famed Boss Cat as part of the marketing department. He later became a distributor for Salisbury Clutches. Jerry also worked in real estate with Arnold Realty in Thief River Falls before entering the banking and insurance industries. He spent many years working with Plummer State Bank and later established the insurance division at St. Hilaire Elevator, where he remained until his retirement.
On April 9, 1975, Jerry was united in marriage to Janice Isabelle (LeFebvre) Mattison in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Together they built a life centered on family, friendships, and community.
Jerry was a man who genuinely enjoyed people. Whether sharing stories over coffee, helping with a community project, or gathering with family, he treasured the relationships he built throughout his life. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, spending winters at his home in Arizona, and especially cherished time spent visiting with family and friends.
Community service played an important role in Jerry’s life. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Jerry was also involved with the Plummer Lions Club and Jaycees for many years. He served on the Plummer School Board, coached youth baseball for many seasons, and clerked alongside McKercher Auctioneer at numerous auctions throughout the region. He served on the Garden Valley board of directors for many years. His willingness to volunteer and invest in others left a lasting impact on the communities he loved.
Jerry is survived by his loving companion, Carolyn Toupin; children, Dale (Debbie) Mattison of Colorado Springs, CO, Neil (Linda) Mattison of Thief River Falls, Gerry Lee Mattison of Plummer, Alan Mattison of Plummer, James (Teresa) Mattison of Thief River Falls, and Karl (Nancy) Mattison of Amissville, VA; fifteen grandchildren, Richard, Eric, Brad, Cory, Chris, Coral, Sarah, Sam, Jacob, Joshua, Michael, William, Taylor, Levi, and families; many great-grandchildren, nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, in 2006; grandson, Ryan Mattison; brother, Marlin Freitag; and his parents.
Jerry will be remembered for his friendly smile, gift of conversation, dedication to his community, and the genuine care he showed to family and friends. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched throughout his 86 years.
May his memory be blessed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks with Father Bob Schreiner presiding. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial will be at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Plummer.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.