Jerry S. Quell

My älskade and dear brother Jerry Scott Quell, passed away Sunday June 23, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing. He courageously battled esophageal cancer even when the disease and treatments left him feeling like  "a scarecrow in a cement mixer”. He was born December 31, 1946 in Red Wing to Merlyn and Jan (Andrews) Quell. In 1955, Jerry and his family moved to the Los Angeles area. In 1964 he graduated from Arroyo High School in El Monte. He majored in art and received his BA from San Fernando Valley State College. He went on to receive his Master’s Degree and teaching degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu. Jerry worked as a crafts and fine arts teacher at John Burroughs High School in Burbank until his retirement in 1997. While in Southern California he was a member of an international team of sandcastle builders that won many prizes. In 1997 he moved back to Red Wing and started his sand blasting business- Borealis Glass Art. His sand blasting art work can be seen at Treasure Island and in numerous businesses and homes. Jerry loved his pet dogs, tortoises, exotic pond fish and lovebirds. He was an avid surfer, skier, camper and photographer. He was a clever “MacGyver” in his own right.

As a big brother I knew he was someone I could always count on; he always had my back. He was loving, caring and steadfast with a splash of sarcastic humor that always uplifted me. He was my confidant and in times of trouble; his mantra was “it will be all right”. He gave me strength. I enjoyed many thought provoking and entertaining discussions with him in person or via internet. I am so lucky to have had him as my big brother and I am eternally grateful.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Robin (Mats Holgersson), Fellingsbro, Sweden, and his beloved dog Cahoots. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, Jerry preferred donations be given to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota in Roseville, MN (wrcmn.org); or The Nature Conservancy in Arlington, VA (https://preserve.nature.org). A party to celebrate his life will be held with family and friends at a later date.