Gerald "Jerry" Lavern Patterson
January 13, 1945 — January 23, 2016
Gerald “Jerry” Lavern Patterson, age 71, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016 at his home in Hayes Center, NE.
Jerry was born to Emery H. and Laura Leora (Whitaker) Patterson on January 13, 1945 in McCook, NE. He attended school in Hayes center, graduating from Hayes Center High School with the class of 1964.
Jerry was married to Dorothy Paulien Statz in San Diego, CA on June 19, 1965. To this union one daughter, Diane, was born.
On January 13, 1987 Jerry married Sandra K. Frasier Nitsch in Benkelman, NE.
Jerry enlisted in the US Navy on September 22, 1964 and fought during the Vietnam War. He served his country honorably until his discharge on July 1, 1968.
Jerry was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and the American Legion Post, as well as a volunteer on the Haigler Fire Department. Jerry was a trucker at heart and he and Sandy spent several years traveling coast to coast. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and 4-wheeling. His family was his pride and joy. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy Patterson of Hayes Center; daughter, Diane (Allen) Kurth of Colby, KS; step-son, Mike (Jan) Nitsch of Cambridge; step-daughter Deb Gohl of St. Francis, KS; six grandchildren, J.J. Nitsch, Tim Gohl, Lori Closs, Shaina Gohl, Asia Kurth and Aaron Kurth; eight great grandchildren, Chase, Traeton, Reed Nitsch, Addison Kurth, Cameron Closs, Ryleigh Closs, Nyla and Kierstyn Gohl.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Bethel Baptist Church in Hayes Center with Ted Burnfield officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in the Hayes Center Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in Jerry’s name.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.