Gerald L. “Jerry” Wichert

Gerald L. “Jerry” Wichert

March 24, 1939 – January 22, 2020

 

Jerry was born on March 24, 1939 in Omaha, Nebr., the son of Leo and Melodia Wichert.  He was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Omaha and attended St. Joseph and Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary Schools.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1957.

He was the oldest of five children.  He was very close to his mother and father.  As a small boy, his father would take Jerry out to the local bar with him and people would enjoy listening to Jerry sing his rendition of Roll Out the Barrel.  As an older brother, he was in-charge of carrying his brother Jack’s accordion to music lessons.  He was a fierce protector of his little sisters and is known as their guardian angel.

As a young man, he helped with his uncle’s vegetable farm and produce stand in Carter Lake, Iowa.  As a teen, he worked at the Hilltop House restaurant on Dodge Street.

Jerry was a member of the Army Reserves for six years.  In 1962, he married Andrea Huss, purchased their current home and joined Holy Cross Catholic Church.  They were blessed with two children, Susan and Julie.

He worked for Continental Can Company as a young family man.  He continued in his field with three other companies.  He retired from RMF Steel in 2005 as a sales engineer having traveled to places like Australia, Alaska, Belgium, London, Germany, Ireland, and all over the U.S.  He was always most happy being home with his family.

Jerry enjoyed family vacations to Estes Park, Colorado where he would cook eggs and bacon in the mountains for his family.  Jerry and Andrea did a lot of vacationing in Branson, Missouri and enjoyed many memorable trips to the east and west coast, Hawaii and Canada.  He would go ice skating with his daughters and niece Michele at Ak-Sar-Ben every weekend.  He was a very involved Grandpa to Tyler and Katie taking them sledding and other outdoor activities.  Jerry enjoyed Husker football, riding his BSA motorcycle in his younger years and sharing an interest in mechanics with his brother Leo.  His favorite holiday was Christmas — he would set up his childhood Lionel train set under the tree.  He was very mechanical…He could read blueprints and fix anything.  Jerry enjoyed music, especially Elvis.

Jerry’s easy going demeaner, willingness to help anyone and sweetness will be missed.

He is survived by his devoted wife Andrea; loving daughters, Susan Hopping (Mark) and Julie Wichert all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two grandchildren Tyler and Katie Hopping; brothers, Jack (Lexie) and Leo (Barb); sisters, Marilyn Selk (Leo) and Mo Phelps; sister-in-law, Liz Weber (Don); and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends Monday, January 27th from 5pm to 7pm, at the West Center Chapel followed by a VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, January 28th, 11am, Holy Cross Catholic Church (4810 Woolworth Ave.)  ENTOMBMENT: Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

 

 

7 Comments

  • MARY LOGES Posted January 23, 2020 5:01 pm

    My heart goes out to all of you. I’m so sorry 💔😪

  • Janet & Nick Sirian Posted January 23, 2020 6:03 pm

    We are so very sorry for your loss & send prayers out to the family

  • Sandy (Wichert) Santos Posted January 23, 2020 8:53 pm

    Uncle Jerry was such a kind soul. We will all miss him. Our condolences to Andrea, Susie, Julie, Mark, Katie and Tyler. May he live on forever in our hearts and memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. ~Sandy and Family~

  • Phillip Rayer Posted January 24, 2020 10:33 am

    Very sorry for the loss of Jerry to your family our prayers are with you.. I loved watching Jerry and Jack when the would drive by with their cars. Loved the Dodge they both drove.

  • Jim Wichert Posted January 24, 2020 2:40 pm

    Uncle Jerry was always good for making me laugh at the family get togethers. We will keep him in our prayers. May his soul rest in peace.

  • Sheri Posted January 24, 2020 9:56 pm

    My deepest sympathies to the entire Wichert family. Your father will never be far. He will always be with you in your heart and your mind. The memories will never leave you and you will always reflect on the best of times when you think of him.

  • Charlene Walsh Posted January 25, 2020 6:56 am

    Andrea, Susan and Julie: I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful husband and father. I was talking to Kay the other evening and she told me the sad news. I can remember seeing Jerry on his daily walks at the Norris Junior High school track. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I sure miss all my friends in Omaha, NE but very blessed to have my family with me in Florida. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

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