Gerald Forrest (“Jerry”) Playle, age 75, passed away on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Just three days after Jerry’s passing, his loving wife of 54 years, Betty Ann (Farrell) Playle, age 72, succumbed to cancer as well.

Jerry and Betty were loving parents, grandparents, and caring friends to all who knew them. They will be missed by their five children and spouses, their 14 grandchildren, and their seven great-grandchildren, as well as a host of other family members and many, many friends.

Residents of Crossville, Tenn. since 1994, Jerry and Betty were known for opening their home to friends and family at a moment’s notice. Jerry served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force for 26 years before retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1978. Following his military career, Jerry worked for a defense contractor, TRW, for 15 years. He loved to share a joke with his many friends and relatives, but tempered his sense of humor with a strong work ethic and self-discipline. Betty, a resourceful military wife and talented homemaker, enjoyed card games and classic movies. She was a gifted cook who never tired of creating special baked goods for the children in her family. Both Betty and Jerry were avid bowlers for many years.

Services and interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale, Minn., the town where Jerry and Betty met and married. A fellowship lunch will follow at the Brownsdale Methodist Church.

Czaplewski Family Funeral Home in Brownsdale is assisting with arrangements.
Blessed be their memory.

The family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Cumberland County, Tennessee or the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.