Gerald "Jerry" Dale Bastian

Gerald "Jerry" Dale Bastian passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at New Perspective Senior Living in Mankato.

Jerry was born on March 24, 1940, in Ipswich, SD to Andreas and Erna (Vietzke) Bastian. After participating in the ROTC program at South Dakota State University and graduating with his Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education, Jerry immediately entered active duty, proudly serving our country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965. He continued his military career in the Army Reserves until 1968. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marlys Kriese, on June 8, 1968, in Marietta, Minnesota. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in Mankato.

Jerry was a familiar and trusted face in the local community, working as a banker at Wells Federal Bank for 35 years. He also shared his leadership and financial expertise on the board of directors for Wells Financial Corporation for many years, beginning in 1986. He was a dedicated member of numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Alpha Gamma Rho, and the Realtors Association. Guided by a strong faith, Jerry was also an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato.

Beyond his professional life, Jerry was a man who embraced the outdoors and cherished his time with family. He loved horses, playing tennis, escaping the Minnesota winters in Arizona, and exploring the United States with Marlys in their motorhome. Jerry was rarely seen on these family vacations without his camera, meticulously capturing the moments and milestones of their travels. That camera was a staple at home, too. Jerry was his children's biggest fan, standing on the sidelines of countless sporting events with his video camera rolling. In later years, he found that same immense joy in watching his grandchildren's sports and activities, always cheering them on with the same pride and enthusiasm.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marlys Bastian of Mankato; children, Gina Bastian of Anchorage, John (Bobbie) Bastian of Mankato, and Juli (Monte) Sowder of St. Peter; sister, Ilene (Glen) Sorensen of Arco; sisters-in-law, Jean Bastian of Worthington, Donna Grube of Marietta, and Karen LaRock of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Andrew, Tyson, and Brady; great-grandchildren, Maverick, Maxwell, Ryder, and Rayla; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Elma and John Kriese; brother, Vernon Bastian; and brothers-in-law, Larry Grube and Jerome LaRock.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held at the church for one and a half hours prior to the service, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Tivoli Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association .