Gerald "Jerry" L. Oja

Gerald (Jerry) L. Oja, age 93, of Woodbury MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026. 

Jerry is survived by his wife Barbara (Mikesh) of 63 years, son Brent (Michele), son Brian (Audra), brother Bruce, sister-in-law Cheryl (Ralph) Ransom, nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was born March 10,1932 in Hibbing, MN and grew up in Pengilly, MN. He was an Army veteran and served in Korea. He earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). His first engineering job was at American Hoist and Derrick where he met and married Barbara. Jerry went on to have a long career at 3M where he worked in the duplicating and medical products divisions. 

A man of strength and resilience, he was known for his sharp wit, and utmost patience when it came to explaining or diagramming how something worked. Multiple generations of his family will forever cherish memories of the many camping trips and vacations they took with him out West. 

Jerry was dearly loved and will be forever missed.

A special thank you to the nursing staff at M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.

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