Jerry Leroy Harms, 81, of Minatare, NE, passed away Monday, December 6th, 2021 at Chimney Rock Villa with family by his side. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 13th, 2021 at 11:00am at Dugan Kramer Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Schaaf officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. A memorial has been established to the family, and online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com
Jerry was born January 8th, 1940 in Grainton, NE to Earl and Josephine (Rowley) Harms and received his early education in Venango Nebraska Schools, graduating from Venango High School in 1957. He married Joyce Chapman on September 29th, 1959 in Grant, NE, to whom four children were born: Jerry Lee, Tammy, Richard, and Brenda. He married Jennifer Schaaf on March 28th, 1988 in Sidney, NE and they made their home in Minatare.
Jerry enlisted in the Air Force in 1957. He was an Air Craft Engine Mechanic for 12 years and was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Sargent. He was known as “Sarge” by the men with whom he served. After his discharge, he worked for a local feedlot for 49 years. His duties included feedlot manager and mill manager.
He was a member of the Scottsbluff Patriot Guard and took part in the escort for the WWII Veteran’s Journey to Washington, D.C. Jerry was on the Minatare City Council for 11 years and served as the Mayor of Minatare for two years.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. It was important to him to be involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. Jerry had a heart of gold and would help anyone. He had a great love for riding his motorcycle, camping, boating, and anything involving being outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Harms of Minatare; sons, Jerry Lee (Connie) Harms of Gering, and Richard Harms of Minatare; daughter, Tammy (Scott) Lightfritz of Sidney; stepson, Scott Bernhardt (Char Buskirk) of Gering; stepdaughter, Janel (Mike) Marcoe of Gering; brother, Barney (Debi) Harms of Julesburg, CO; sister-in-law, Eleanor Harms of Milford, NE; brother-in-law, Mike (Val) Schaaf of Grand Island, NE; grandchildren, Kelli (Tyson) Harper, Mindi (Darrell) Woosley, Shelby (David) Gurney, Shawna (Matt) MacIntosh, Brandon Lightfritz, Brittany (Bryce) Huston, Natasha (David) Morrison, Caitlyn (Hunter) Bollman, Eric Bernhardt, Brooke (Marcelino) Alvarez, and Garret Tinsley (Jadyn Block); 15 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; three brothers; one sister; and his daughter, Brenda Harms.
