Gerald Vincent Mohatt, or Jerry as he preferred to be called, was born September 13, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in the small rural farming community of Vail, Iowa. He passed away on February 10, 2010, in Fairbanks, Alaska, following a long struggle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Jerry’s warmhearted, compassionate, and kind presence had a far-reaching influence and impact on the lives of Alaska Native and American Indian people. One respected Alaska Native Elder said, “Jerry was easy to work with and easy to talk to, and he listened. He was real sensitive to people in all the areas. He engaged you; he was interested, and it didn’t matter who you were, young or old, or Black or White.”