Gerald Lloyd Byker

Gerald Lloyd Byker, 93 passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby.  He was born January 18, 1932 in Pease the son of Joseph and Margaret (Santema) Byker.  He graduated from Milaca High School in 1950.  In 1952 he married his first wife Marlys Nelson and together they had 4 children whom they raised in Onamia. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in the Korean War and returned in 1954.  He earned a Masters Degree from St. Cloud State University.  He worked at Onamia High  School where he taught Industrial Arts for 15 years and then as Principal for his last 15 years, retiring in 1991.  In 1998 Gerald was united in marriage to Marjorie Vopat.  They spent 25 happy years at their home on Sugar Lake in Glen, MN. and at their winter home at Silveridge RV Park in Mesa, AZ. He spent the past 5 years at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby, MN., where he received loving care from all of the staff. He was a talented woodworker creating many beautiful decorative items.  He was an avid reader who enjoyed people, gardening and working with the animals on his hobby farm.  He was always smiling and good natured.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Gertrude Kiel, 2 brothers: Harry Byker and Allan Byker.

Gerald is survived by his wife Marjorie Vopat – Byker of Crosby ; Children: Ben (Mary) Byker of St. Joseph’s, Brad (Betsy) Byker of Osceola, WI., Beth Byker of Milaca and Bryan Byker of St. Paul; Grandchildren: Andre, Jessie, Josh, Tom, Emily, Lucas, Stephanie, Adam and Megan; Many beautiful great-grandchildren;  step-children: Susan (Jeff) Arneson of Palisade, Mark Vopat of Falkton, SD., Nina (Robert) Mills of Apple Valley, Betsy (Greg) Drehmel of Lakeville, many special step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren,  other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 11am – Friday, June  20, 2025 at Glory Baptist Church, Aitkin.  Pastor Randy Stauter will be the officiant.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial with full military honors will be in Glory Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  To leave a message of condolence please go to www.srtfuneral.com

Live Stream will be on the following:

In Memory of Jerry Byker

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