Jerome Robert Arel

Jerome "Jerry" R. Arel, age 74 of Park River passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at the First Care Health Center of Park River. Jerome "Jerry" Robert Arel was born May 12, 1939 in Crookston, MN, the son of the late Lawrence and Millie (Lessard) Arel. He grew up in Grand Forks, ND and attended St. Michael's and St. James Schools, graduating in 1958. He then entered Radiological Technology School at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, ND and graduated in 1960 as a Registered Radiological Technologist. He was Chief Instructor at St. Alexius and also Chief Technologist at Missouri Valley Clinic until 1970, when he moved to Littlefork, MN and was employed as Chief Technician at the Municipal Hospital there. In 1987, he moved to Park River, ND and was the Radiology Director until 2001. While in Littlefork, Jerry was president of the Commercial Club and Civic Improvement Club, Director of the Fair Board, Ambulance attendant and driver, Sergeant of the Police Department, co-founder and captain of the rescue squad and radio communication director at the hospital. He was also a member of the National Guard and the inactive reserves. He was best known for his photography and love of people. He did his best for all who asked and attempted each and every task. He made a difference. Jerry is survived by his daughter Jill (John) Roche, International Falls, MN; granddaughters: Jessica (Ryan) Lucca, International Falls, MN and Krysten Hall, International Falls, MN; great grandson Jake Lucca, International Falls, MN; brother, Jean (Sheila) Arel, Fargo, ND; sisters: Margaret Kendall, Minot, ND; Yvonne Kreis, Glen Ellyn, IL; sister-in-law, Judy Arel, Grand Forks, ND. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and best friend and neighbor Greg Kachena. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale and brothers-in-law: Ed and Bob. Memorial services will be Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Tuesday. Inurnment will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND at a later date. Military Rites will be provided by the Park River American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.