Obituary: Gerald Justin Lind June 26, 1925 - September 28, 2017

Gerald Justin Lind was born on June 26, 1925 in Everett, WA to Swedish immigrants Magda and Justin Lind. He died peacefully on September 28th, 2017 in Juneau, AK.

Gerald moved with his parents at the age of four to Petersburg, AK. He attended his school years in Petersburg with some lengthy absences due to eye surgeries in Seattle, WA. Gerald graduated from Petersburg High School.

He fished in the summers and was drafted to WWII after high school graduation. He served in the 10th Army Air Forces Emergency Rescue Boat Squadron "crash boats" in the Aleutian Islands.

Gerald was discharged in 1946 and married his one and only sweetheart Ethel Jean Lampmann. (They were married for 50 years.) The couple had a son in 1947, Gerald Franklin, who died after one day of life. In 1948 their daughter Sharol (Shari) Annette Lind was born. After her arrival, the family of three moved to Seattle, WA for a short time where Gerald attended UW and worked as a shoe salesman.

Back in Petersburg, they settled and built their own home on the corner of 6th and Haugen.

Gerald seined and longlined with Leonard (Baldy) Martens.

Ethel and Gerald also had a Ben Franklin franchise store "Linds". They eventually expanded and started Petersburg's first children's store called the "The Jr. Shop".

In their later years they sold their stores and had the gillnetter "Sunny" built. Gerald and Ethel fished together, often taking their granddaughter Kari Jean Otness with them.

Gerald was an avid photographer and woodworker. He was also a fantastic dancer and tortured his granddaughter with ballroom dancing lessons when she was a teen. He was very creative and often frustrated by his perfectionism.

Gerald was passionate about service to his community. He was a lifetime member of Petersburg Lutheran Church, at times serving on the board or as maintenance man. He was a member of the Freemasons and particularly enjoyed giving scholarships to Petersburg High graduates. He was a life member of Rotary International, Petersburg Chapter. Gerald was well known for being a tenacious Rotary Rose and Duck Race ticket salesman.

He loved going to "Pioneers" and to the "SONS" for potlucks and volunteering at his local radio station KFSK.

As Gerald advanced in age he required more help, which precipitated his move to the Juneau Pioneer Home in Juneau, AK. He had many family and friends visit him in his year and a half residence. Gerald also formed some strong bonds with the very caring and professional staff at the Pioneer Home.

He is preceded in death by his son Gerald Franklin Lind, wife Ethel Jean Lind, and daughter Shari Lind Otness.

He is survived by son-in-law Alan D Otness, grand-daughter Kari Otness Baekkelund and husband Peter O Baekkelund, great-grandchildren Jonas Otness Baekkelund and Anna Tova Baekkelund of Petersburg, AK, cousins Wally Swanson of Petersburg, AK and Norris Swanson of Shelton, WA.

He had many friends in the community and will be fondly remembered.

"Bye for now GGGPA." (Great Grandpa Gerald -PA) Gerald's funeral service will be held at the Petersburg Lutheran Church on October 14th, 2017 at 2:00pm. Graveside burial and reception at the Holy Cross House will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gerald's honor to Petersburg Rotary Youth

Exchange Program PO Box 1172 Petersburg, AK 99833.