Jerry was born September 28, 1930 to Anton and Mary (Velechosky) Dobrovolny in Stanley, ND.

Jerry attended Pearl Valley School through the 8th grade. Jerry stayed on the farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955. He attended basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Jerry was stationed in Japan, where he worked in carpentry. He was honorably discharged in 1957. After serving two years Jerry came back home where he worked a few odd jobs, one being part of rebuilding the Ross elevator after it burned down. After that Jerry worked on the farm with his Dad and brother, Ted. Their Dad passed away in 1959. The brothers continued to care for their mother until her death in 1977. Jerry and Ted farmed together through the Harvest of 2009.

Jerry loved to drive to town daily for lunch and his visits with neighbors and nightly drives around the block or down to the White Earth Bay. Jerry continued to live on the farm until the time of his death. He enjoyed having Cole, Lauren and Braelynn out on the farm with him for the last six years. Jerry enjoyed being with family and when there were toys to be put together he was always willing to get down on the floor and help put them together for the kids. Jerry will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his brother, Ted (Jane); nieces, Carmen (Troy) Westby and Cammi (Chad) Hysjulien; great nieces, Carissa (Wade) Decker and Carsten Hysjulien (TJ Edwards); great nephews, Cole (Lauren or Lola to Jerry) Hysjulien, Zach Westby and Seth (Madi) Westby; great-great nephews, Clay and Rhett Decker and great-great niece, Braelynn.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene.