Jerry Lee Flom

Jerry Flom — A Life Well Built, Well Laughed, and Well-Lived

Jerry Lee Flom, 71, of Hastings, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Born in Minot, North Dakota, on January 25, 1954, to Kenneth and Ethel (Clark) Flom, Jerry quickly mastered the art of being both practical and persistent — two skills that served him well for the next seven decades. After graduating from Hastings High School in 1972 and completing HVAC training at Dakota County Technical School, he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Husting, in 1974.

Jerry started out painting but found his life’s work at J.L. Shiely Company — later known as Cemstone — where he helped build the concrete jungle, literally. He and Diane first lived in Rockville, MN, but after too many miles on the road visiting family every weekend, they planted roots on Manor Lane in Hastings. That house saw it all: three growing boys (Ryan, Jeff, and David), countless family gatherings, and more home projects than anyone cared to count.

In 1995, Jerry survived a life-changing accident that easily could have written his final chapter. Thanks to quick-thinking co-workers and first responders, he got a second chance — and he didn’t waste it. After his youngest son graduated high school, Jerry and Diane built their dream home on Northridge Drive — proof that patience (and a few decades of overtime) really do pay off.

A few years later, he returned to work at Cemstone, eventually retiring in 2011 after more than 30 years of hard work, long hours, and a reputation for being the guy who could fix just about anything — and teach you how to do it.

Retirement, for Jerry, wasn’t about slowing down. He devoted himself to caring for Diane until her passing in 2021, then turned his focus to breakfasts and lunches with family and friends, his health (mostly), and being “Grandpa Jerry” to his grandkids. Those kids were his pride and joy. He’d tell anyone who’d listen that spending time with them made up for the years he worked 60–70 hours a week to make sure his boys had everything they needed — and more.

Jerry leaves behind a lifetime’s worth of stories, laughter, and Flom Facts — his signature brand of random knowledge and practical wisdom, usually shared with a grin. He’ll be remembered for his humor, his hard work, his loyalty, and his ability to make every person in the room feel like family.

He’s now reunited with his beloved Diane, his parents Ken and Ethel, and his in-laws Buck and Bernice Husting.

Jerry is survived by his children, Ryan (Kathryn), Jeffrey, and David (Candace); grandchildren Tyler Moris, Anders, Erik, Madelynn, Brooklynn, Nolan, Brendan, and Addison; siblings Linda (Bill) Merkling, Loren (Bonnie) Flom, Gail (Jeff) Kummet, and Nancy (Dave) Reinardy; in-laws Karen (Richard) Spicer, Kenneth (Jennifer Rank) Husting, Nancy (Jim) Schmotter, Julie (Mike) Lubich, and John (Jodi) Husting; and an extended network of nieces, nephews, and friends who were all lucky enough to know him.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, with visitation and a reception immediately following the service until 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice.