Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Jerry Kallberg
Gerald Wesley Kallberg was born January 6, 1938, in Carrington, ND to Wesley and Marie Kallberg. He passed away on December 10, 2024, in Graham, NC.
Jerry graduated from Carrington High School in 1956. In high school, he was active in sports and music—playing the French horn and later bass. He started a group of musicians called the Midnight Sun, performing throughout the region. After graduation, he played professionally with multiple bands and duos across the Midwest, Canada, and Alaska.
He served in the U.S. Army before attending Minot State College and later transferring to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where he earned a degree in Finance. He also played music part-time throughout college. After graduation, Jerry worked for Western Electric in Langdon, ND, then moved to Graham, NC, continuing with Western Electric through several corporate transitions. His work gave him opportunities to travel in Europe and Caribbean as well as the US.
In Graham, NC, he found his forever home. He was the music director for his church, active with friends and in Tai Chi. Music remained the heart of his life. He was an avid reader and loved thoughtful conversations. Friends and family admired his wit, curiosity, and compassion. Despite living far from relatives, he stayed closely connected through regular long-distance calls and visits.
Jerry is survived by his sister Jane Cody (Fargo, ND); brother-in-law Joe Straley (Avon, MN); and many nieces and nephews: Todd (Bobbi) Cody (Moorhead, MN); Rod Cody (Fargo,ND); Vicki (Kelly) Osland (Fargo, ND); Ryan (Kim) Kallberg (Winchester, CA); Earl (Lindsey Johnson) Straley (Milwaukie, OR); Audrey (Kevin) O’Driscoll (Sartell, MN); Jennifer (David) Tellinghuisen(St. Cloud, MN); Megan (Carl) McMasters (Auburn, WA); Damon Kelly (Kansas City, MO); as well as many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wesley and Marie Kallberg; brother and sisters-in-law Robert Kallberg & Joan Wigen, sister and brother-in-law Judy & Richard Kelly; sister Joan Straley; nephews Sean Kelly and Christopher Kelly; great-nephew Reece Cody; and grandparents Frank & Clara Mann, Harold Kallberg, and Effie & Fred Hanon.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 1:00PM at the Carrington Cemetery. A Fellowship will immediately follow the Graveside Service at the Chieftain (Buffalo Room) in Carrington for all family and friends.
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It’s hard to lose family. Blessings to you all.
I graduated with Jerry and know he always loved music. I even sang with the Midnight Suns. Fun memories of long ago.
So sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Mary Hansen
I’m sending condolences to you and your family Jane. I remember your brother well and I’m sad for your loss.
My only brother named (Jerome) Jerry too , died 11 years ago today June 16th, in 2014.
I think my brother had photographs of the Midnight Suns as I remember, seeing them many years ago.
Love and hugs to you.
With Deepest Sympathy.
I graduated with Jerry in the class of 56. We played French Horn together and now I am the last of the quartett. Many memories of the Kallberg family, roller-skate programs at the Rainbow Gardens, his magic tricks. humor.
i too graduated with jerry in 56. i remember him as a fun guy. sorry for your loss
I just saw this ! My heart and love goes out to all of the Family who I know he loved sooo much ! I came to NC to start my Church in Durham and met Jerry and he was my Savior ! We could not have built our beautiful Church / Center without his passionate , visionary energy ! He became my closest Friend and was always there to encourage me and was always there for me ! He made me laugh so many times ! I loved that he challenged me during our classes ! He will always be in my heart and I am forever grateful our Paths crossed ! Enjoy your next adventure my cherished Friend ! Love Forever ❤️
namaste , Rev, Patricia King 🙏❤️