February 20, 1944 ~ May 16, 2023
A casual farewell for Jerry, who passed away on May 16, 2023, will be held on August 13, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm , location the Big Tent at Watertown, Lac du Bonnet. Jerry is missed by his wife, Juanita, son, Michael (Shauna), as well as his siblings, Frances (Jim) Parker and Barry. Jerry also leaves numerous cousins, special friends and his work family.
Born February 20, 1944 at Pine Falls, MB, Jerry was raised and educated in Whitemouth, MB and Minaki, ON. One of his first jobs was at a marina in Minaki, where he learned to love the mechanical world of outboard motors, and exploring the Winnipeg River. Jerry’s grandfather built and owned Pioneer Garage in Whitemouth, later taken over by his aunts, uncles and his dad, Fred. This is where he acquired valuable knowledge of auto-mechanics. He then took an auto-body course at MIT in Winnipeg, and worked in that field for Terra’s Auto Body, and Melnick’s. He also worked for Lorne Molinski in plumbing and heating.
In 1965, he married Juanita Kondratuk (from Otter Falls). In 1966, Jerry bought his first snowmobile and by 1967, became a member of the Beausejour Polaris Racing Team. He then raced for and took a job with the Polaris distributor, H.C. Paul, Ltd. in Winnipeg. There he was first exposed to Mercury Outboards and he became a master outboard mechanic and instructor.
In 1972, Jerry, along with Juanita and son, Michael, took a gigantic leap, left his job and took on the task of building a marine dealership at Otter Falls. By 1982, he was able to buy a Cessna 172 floatplane for his family business. For many years he flew with Juanita, Michael or others to numerous northern fishing lodges to provide courtesy camp service. After 20 years of hard work, total success and many awards from Mercury Marine, the Cousins family moved their growing business to Lac du Bonnet under the name Watertown, where they continued to grow their business.
Jerry took pride in his dealership, 50 years of ongoing commitment and dedicated service with Mercury Marine, and was especially proud of his family and his work family. One of his greatest passions was design and inventing, always sketching new ideas, and he patented several. In 2006 Jerry and Juanita moved to Whitemouth where they built a nine hole golf course and eventually a new home. After 70 years of age, Jerry learned to play guitar, and together with Juanita and friends formed a band, The Antique Collection, and enjoyed entertaining.
The Cousins family and Watertown crew will be hosting a Casual Farewell for Jerry on Sunday, August 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, location the big tent by the river at Watertown, Lac du Bonnet with music and lunch.
Offer Condolence for the family of Jerry Cousins
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Lorraine Drewlo & Family
Heart breaking news Juanita. So sorry for your loss. Stay strong for your Family!
Sincere Sympathy To All!
Cindy Betker
Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Wasn’t often, but we would run into each other every now and then since I moved away from LDB. Was always an interesting conversation of “catch up “.
RIP Jerry.
Kevin and Gail Nally
We are so sad for you, Juanita, and your family.
Jerry will be missed.
Derrick and Lynn Cardinal
So sorry to see Jerry’s passing. Our deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Edna zurbuchen (nee HLADY)
Jerry was a very special person and friend, and he will be missed by many. Every time I see a star in the sky I think of him and thank him for bringing my heart back to Whitemouth. May Jerry find peace in heaven. My most heartfelt condolences to you Juanita and your family.
Tim Paul
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and wonderful memories are with you.
Alan & Sandi Bodnarchuk
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Although we had not seen him for years we still remember the good times we had during the snowmobile racing season. Gone too soon and remembered by many we hope the happy times remain in your heart. Condolences to your family.
Debbie Schlamp
Juanita we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. So many great memories of summers at Eleanor Lake with the Schlamp family and then for Kelly, Jessie & Kurt at both the gas station and Pinawa. He will be missed.
Derek Roy
sorry to hear about jerry passing ..he left too soon but touched the lives of a lot of people i was glad to have met him and called him a friend..may he fly forever above us …
Dorothy Altstadt
My sympathies Juanita. Jerry was a really nice guy and a true gentleman.
Robert Sutyla
I met Jerry when I moved to Whitemouth in 1960. We spent a lot of time together for many years. Jerry will remain a very special friend. Condolences to Juanita and Michael and family.
Bill Adams
Heartfelt condolences Juanita, family, and friends. You and Jerry were both kind and helpful to me during my time in Whitemouth. He will always be in my thoughts.
Alan & Sandi Bodnarchuk
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We remember so well the days of snowmobiling racing and the fun we used to have. Jerry was a great guy and I am sure will be missed by many. Please accept our condolences and carry the great memories in your heart.
Dennis & Rosalie Lofstrom
Our deepest sympathies Juanita, and family… Jerry was always friendly no matter where we met up. Treasure your memories. Dennis & Rosalie
Jayne Watt & Shawn Merke and families
Juanita and Michael so sorry to hear of your families loss. Many special memories of Jerry being in our lives from such a young age , he will truly be missed.
Mike and Diane
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing . Sincerest condolences to you Juanita and family.
Cindy Behnke - Peace River, AB
Dear Juanita and Michael/family, it is sad to learn the news of Jerry’s passing, sorry for your loss. I recall the times when Frank and I were dating, Frank never drove past your store in Otter Falls without stopping in, many good visits and laughs we had. I am sure they will meet fishing in heaven. Praying for comfort in the days ahead ❤️
Cindy Behnke
Karen Zurba
My sincerest condolences Juanita on your loss.
May you find comfort in your memories.
BOB AND LINDA BRANDT
We got to know Jerry and Juanita through years as business associates and we considered them as friends.Sorry to hear of Jerrys passing and our condolences to Juanita and family.
BOB BRANDT
We got to know Jerry and Juanita through years as business associates and we considered them as friends.Sorry to hear of Jerrys passing and our condolences to Juanita and family.
Irene Godfrey(nee) McDougald
So sorry for the loss of Jerry, Juanita. Many memories of Jerry during our teen years in Whitemouth. My prayers to you & family
Richard McCalder
Condolences to Barry and Dawn (Jerry’s sister inlaw)
Pat and Irene Blaney
Known Jerry since I was a squirt in Whitemouth , growing up us kids always hung out at the bridge over the mighty Whitemouth , as we were there one night Jerry came down to the river , his parents had a house on the river and Jerry had chiseled a trail down and had a small wooden punt with I’m guessing. a 6 Hp , and he called us down if we wanted to go on a tour , naturally we all fell over ourselves getting down there and he took us to the train bridge and back ! Well , to this day I have nothing on the back of any boat that we own unless it’s Mercury Black , I will never forget that day and it started a long relationship that has continued to this day . Yes , we will miss him but those memories will live forever ! Adios Amigo ! ( If God has a Merc , Jerry is tuning it right now ) )
Pat and Irene Blaney
Known Jerry since I was a squirt in Whitemouth , growing up us kids always hung out at the bridge over the mighty Whitemouth , as we were there one night Jerry came down to the river , his parents had a house on the river and Jerry had chiseled a trail down and had a small wooden punt with I’m guessing. a 6 Hp , and he called us down if we wanted to go on a tour , naturally we all fell over ourselves getting down there and he took us to the train bridge and back ! Well , to this day I have nothing on the back of any boat that we own unless it’s Mercury Black , I will never forget that day and it started a long relationship that has continued to this day . Yes , we will miss him but those memories will live forever ! Adios Amigo ! ( If God has a Merc , Jerry is tuning it right now ) )