Jerry Havel, a very warm, sincere and deeply likable man with a hugely positive attitude, died of cancer July 17. Havel left Fresh Farms in Rio Rico, AZ, on medical leave last winter.
In 2006, he launched Fresh Farms on behalf of the large Sonoran grape and vegetable grower Grupo Molina. Fresh Farms was the marketing arm of the Molina family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that our dear friend and industry leader, Jerry Havel, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019," the Molinas said in a statement. "The produce industry lost a pillar, as his nearly four decades-long career touched so many people, in so many ways. Jerry started his career in produce with Dole Bananas, after graduating from St. Norbert College in 1978. From his humble beginnings at Dole, to his last days as sales and marketing director of Fresh Farms, Jerry’s passion for life carried over to his work, making him an incredible success.”
Havel is survived by his wife, Margie; sons, Joseph and Daniel; and his daughter, Elly. The Molina family said, “Our condolences go out to the team at Fresh Farms, Jerry’s many friends, and his family. He will be greatly missed by many people.”
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Friday, July 26, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm St., Tucson, AZ 85719.
“In lieu of flowers or donations, please spend time with your loved ones and share a laugh, as Jerry would have wanted,” the Molinas offered.
The Arizona Daily Star said, “after a courageous fight with cancer,” Havel passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife at home in Tucson, at the age of 62.
Havel was born Aug. 2, 1956 in Rhinelander, WI, to James and Irene Havel.
“He was the sixth of seven children, but number one in everyone's hearts,” the Daily Star indicated. “Although he was born in the Northwoods, life took him from the beaches of Malibu, to the honky-tonks of Dallas and the French Quarter in New Orleans. Ultimately settling down in Visalia to start a family and his own company, US Fresh. He is remembered as an avid outdoorsman, a loving brother, a passionate produce man, the king of one liners, but most of all, as an amazing father and husband for 31 years.”
