John “Jerry” Michael Cross Jr., 80, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He was born March 7, 1935, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of John Michael Sr. and Hazel Ovedia (Olson) Cross.

Jerry was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, Minnesota.

He is a 1953 graduate from Pacelli High School in Austin, Minnesota. He is a proud veteran, serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for General Motors parts division for 30 years in Edina, Minnesota.

On May 7, 1977, John Michael Cross Jr. and Phyllis Kay Young were united in marriage at Baptist Church in Minnetonka, Minnesota, by Pastor Paul Evan. The two renewed their vows on March 7, 1986, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo by Father Maynard Kegler.

Jerry was a member of the United Auto Workers Club and he and Phyllis were on golfing and bowling leagues. Jerry was very passionate about sports. He knew many details and statistics about sports and he sponsored little league baseball teams when he lived in California and coached little league baseball in Buffalo for many years. He enjoyed his yearly duck hunting and fishing trips with his friend, Al Jirele.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Collin Cross.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Phyllis Cross of Buffalo; son, Robert Cross of California; daughter, Eva (Craig) Gage and their children, Cheyenne and Benjamin of Buffalo; brother and sisters: Terryl (Gary) Sherman of Apple Valley, William “Bill” (Jane) Cross of Blaine, Theanne (Gary) Bjerke of California; and many nieces, nephews; family and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, from 4 to 8 p.m. with prayer service 7 p.m. at the Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Ave., Buffalo. Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry Cross will be held Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 300 First Ave. NW, Buffalo. Interment will be at a later date in the church cemetery in Buffalo.

Serving the family is the Peterson Chapel of Buffalo, 763-682-1363, www.thepetersonchapel.com.