Stuart G. "Jerry" Nerland
Oct 17, 1926 -
Aug 1, 2020
Longtime Alaskan Stuart G. "Jerry" Nerland passed away in Mesa, Ariz., on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. Born in Seattle, Wash., to Arthur "Les" and Mildred Nerland he was the oldest of three children. The family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1930, to join the pioneer family business "Andrew Nerland," which later became Nerland's Home Furnishings.
Jerry grew up in Fairbanks, graduating from Fairbanks High School in 1944. Shortly after graduation Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II until 1946. He enrolled at the University of Washington and received a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1950.
On June 17, 1948, Jerry married Maxine Albin whom he described on first sight as "the pretty blonde on Cushman Street." They were married for 54 years until her passing in 2002.
Upon completion of college Jerry returned to Fairbanks and was called up as a reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1953 serving at Ladd Field. In 1953, after his service concluded, he joined the family furniture business in Fairbanks. In 1962, after the acquisition of Eckman's Furniture in Anchorage, Jerry and Maxine moved with their four sons to Anchorage to run the business. He served as President with Nerland's Home Furnishings until its closing in 1992.
One of the many talents Jerry had was as a handyman. His tool bench always had the right tool for the job. His skills were utilized in the building of a family cabin at Rocky Lake in 1966. Many close friendships and lots of good times took place at the lake throughout the years.
Community service was important to Jerry. He served as President of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, served on the Fairbanks School Board, The National Home Furnishings Association, Anchorage Rotary Club, United Way of Anchorage, Alaska Retail Association, Alaska State Chamber, Washington-Oregon Shippers Association, Anchorage Senior Center Endowment Committee, Alaska Airlines Community Advisory Board, as a Score Program Counselor and The Anchorage Organizing Committee for the 1992 Olympic Winter Games.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Andrew Ronald "Ron" Nerland; wife, Maxine; second wife, Jackie Brewington; grandson, Evan Nerland; and great-granddaughter, Aviana Shilanski.
He is survived by his sister, Milesse Kennedy; sons, Steve (Debbie), Rick (Leslie), Roger and Brian (Julie) Nerland; grandchildren, Drew (Elizabeth)Nerland, Kelly (Micah) Shilanski, Taylor (Brittany) Nerland, Britney (Mike) Schwartzer, Jenna and Sawyer Nerland and Denise Nerland.
Jerry has 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to the current pandemic. Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
