Obituary
Gerald “Jerry” W. Stickley, 76, of rural Ogallala, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant, Neb.
Gerald was born June 16, 1940 on the family farm just north of Grant. Jerry was baptized at the Trinity Lutheran Church south of Ogallala on July 7, 1940, renewing his baptismal vows through the rite of confirmation on April 3, 1955.
Jerry attended school in Grant before entering the U.S. Navy, where he served on the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans. Following his discharge in 1961, Jerry returned to the area to farm.
On Sept. 1, 1961, Jerry was united in marriage to Shirley L. Smith at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala. The couple made their home northwest of Brule, Neb., where they farmed and raised their children, Rick, Paula, Jeff and Mark.
In the mid 1990s, Jerry and his family moved south of Ogallala where he began to farm some of his late uncle Dittmer’s ground.
Jerry was dedicated to farming, but made it a priority in life to take his family to Lake McConaughy nearly every weekend during the summer months. Countless wonderful memories were made throughout those summers, which were typically filled with fun, family gatherings and meals.
Jerry had the heart of a teacher, and as a father, he was often imparting wisdom to his children without the need for words.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Patricia Stickley; brother-in-law, Henry Christensen; mother and father-in-law, Clarence and Florence Smith; and uncle, John Dittmer.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Shirley Stickley of Ogallala; children, Rick (Bonnie) Stickley of Madison Lake, Minnesota, Paula (Dale) Sparks of Lincoln, Neb., Jeff Stickley of Ogallala, Mark (Debi) Stickley of Hershey, Neb.; 10 grandchildren: Amyber (fiancé, Zachary), Devick, Latisha, Kelsey, Preston, Shania, Quentin, Brandon (Brandi), Tyler, MiKayla (Ryan); three great-grandchildren: Payton, Austin and Breckin; two sisters: Roberta Vieyra of North Platte, Neb., Lorrie Christensen of Big Springs, Neb.; brother, Kenny Stickley of Ogallala; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Jerry’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Services were Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Wayne Pick officiating. Burial with military honors by the Keith County Veterans Organizations followed in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant was in charge of arrangements.