Gerald Keith Wold

He was born in Fargo, North Dakota on July 26, 1932 to Odin and Bertha Wold. He was destine to leave North Dakota, as at the age of 3 he left home and rode his tricycle to Minnesota. Once Jerry graduated high school, he attended North Dakota State School of Science and North Dakota State. He voluntarily joined the Navy in 1952. This decision eventually brought him to Jacksonville, Florida where at a local community dance he met Nellie Mullis. Jerry and Nellie were married on June 17, 1955, last year celebrating 70 years of marriage.

Jerry used his GI education to attend Jacksonville University, graduating from there in 1959 with an AA, 1960 with a BA. Later he attended University of Mississippi, graduating in 1962 with a Graduate degree in Social Science. In 1970 he received certification in Administration Supervision from the University of Florida. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa professional fraternity in education.

Mr. Wold spent his professional career with the Duval County Public School System, starting in December of 1960 at Lake Shore Junior High School, then in 1965 he was recruited to help open the new Fort Caroline Junior High School. In 1969 he was transferred to Arlington Middle School home of the Vikings! Which was so fitting as Mr. Wold was 100% Norwegian, his grandparents immigrated from Norway. He got to cheer on his heritage as he cheered on and encourage the students and colleagues. Professionally, he was involved with Future Teachers of America, served many years as representative for PTA, Chairman of Accreditation Committee for school plant and facilities, Representative on Board of Directors for the Duval County Association of Secondary School Administrators, received Assistant Administrator of the year award 1979 – 1980, served on planning committee for the Annual State Assistant Principal Conference, was a member of the Florida Association of secondary School administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Administrators. After 32 years of service in the Duval County Public School System he retired on January 31, 1992.

Mr. Wold loved his God, his family and his church. He was proud to be a Charter member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. He served on official boards of the church, help start and develop the churches Sunday School program and their activities, served as leader in his Sunday school class, was a member of the church choir and Methodist Men’s club.

Jerry enjoyed lifelong friendships through his community, church and professional life. He loved family gatherings, Georgia Bulldog football, traveling the USA and Canada in his RV, visiting historical landmarks, boating with his girls, fishing, games, golfing, collecting and refinishing antiques.

Mr. Wold was preceded in death by his parents, Odin and Bertha Wold. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 70 plus years Nellie Wold; daughters, Laura Lee Hostetter (Ric) of Atlantic Beach Florida, Susan Marie Hussey (Marty) of Brentwood, Tennessee; grandchildren: Ann Marie Hussey, Allie Marie Hostetter, Liam Patrick Hussey, Micah Jensen Hostetter, Gavin Martin Hussey and Regan Lee Hostetter. Great grandfather to Galina Mae Brock and Uncle to several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family will occur at 10:30 on Monday, June 8, 2026 followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 am at Mill Cove Church located at 8510 Fort Caroline Road 32277. A luncheon reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. A Graveside service will be held from 2:30 to 3:00 pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218.

Please sign the guestbook at www.NeptuneSociety.com/obituaries