Jerome McCollor

Jerome “Jerry” McCollor was born in St. Paul on February 27th 1938 and was a lifetime resident of White Bear Lake. He was the son of Helen and Wallace McCollor. Jerry graduated from St Mary of the Lake and White Bear High School. He attended Dunwoody Auto Electric and St. Paul Vocational schools while working at the Standard Oil Station in White Bear. While in school, he unloaded wood for sailboats from box cars for Johnson Boat Works and after being married, he worked part-time for them repairing motor boats on White Bear Lake. In 1957, Jerry joined the Air Force and attended Air Craft Electrical School for six months. Then spent the remainder of his four years of service in Oklahoma City working on the flight line repairing aircraft. While in Oklahoma he worked part-time in a salvage yard, auto body shot, machine shop, drove tow truck, and built and raced go-karts. He was also involved in stock car racing in the mid 1950’s in the twin cities. Jerry returned to White Bear Lake after active duty in the Air Force to work for the ford dealer in Forest Lake. He then joined Gould National Batteries in their industrial division, going to school in Pittsburg PA for about six months. Jerry then moved to Detroit, Michigan where he met and married the love of his life Madeline on April 4th 1964. Madeline and Jerry were married just short of 54 years and raised three boys. He joined Onan in 1964 and worked in their service and warranty department for 34 years retiring in 1998. Jerry enjoyed playing hockey and played in the state tournament in 1956 and coached little league hockey for several years. Hunting and fishing with his father were also a big part of his life while growing up. He enjoyed golfing with friends before and after retirement. Jerry and Madeline traveled after his retirement. One of the most memorable days was driving a total of fifty miles in on day on their way to Las Vegas. There were many trips to Detroit to visit Madeline’s folks. On one of these trips, Jerry stopped for gas in Chicago and while he in the station paying for the gas, Cary, the youngest son got out of the car to use the restroom. Jerry came out of the station and started to drive off when David asked if he was leaving Cary in Chicago. There were many golfing trips to Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, and Arizona. Then there was the 1955 Thunderbird restoration project that was started in 1965 and is still in progress. When Jerry was not working on a car, boat engine, or remodeling the house, he was drinking coffee with Jed and talking smart as he would like to say. Obituary as seen in the newspaper: Jerome Michael McCollor Preceded in death by wife, Madeline; son, David; parents, Helen and Wallace. Survived by Lori, Louis (Judy), Cary (Carrie Ann); grandchildren, Katherine (Lewis) Dumer, Kylie, Derek, Sydney, Connor and 4 great-grandchildren; friends of Bill W. and many other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Mary of the Lake Loaves and Fishes. Mass of Christian Burial, 3PM on Thursday, September 26th at St. Mary of the Lake, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass.