Jerry Halverson

Jerry Martin Halverson
1950 - 2016
Jerry was born on Saturday, December 9th, 1950 at the old Gordon Hospital located on 4th and Oak Streets. His parents were Hillard and Rosetta (Coleman) Halverson. Jerry was welcomed into the family by his 3 older brothers: Leonard, Richard and Bruce. At the time of Jerry's birth, the family was living on the Spade Ranch south of Gordon.
Jerry attended grade school in the sandhills and moved to Gordon after the 6th grade to complete the rest of his public schooling in Gordon. In the fall of 1965 he entered Gordon High School and was active in athletics all four years. During his senior year, he married Cheryl Ostrander and the couple welcomed a daughter whom they named Holly.
In early 1969, Jerry's father Hillard died after a battle with cancer and around the same time Jerry suffered a major injury to his right hand. While working for Holstein Packing Plant in Rushville, he got his right hand caught in a meat processor and lost four of his fingers.
Not long after the accident, Jerry, Cheryl and Holly moved to Lincoln where Jerry worked at various jobs including selling cosmetic products to beauticians throughout the state of Nebraska. In the early 70's, Jerry and Cheryl divorced and Jerry soon started traveling with a construction company in Wyoming and California.
It was during this time that Jerry fell in love with Mexico. He made many trips to the south and would continue to enjoy visiting Mexico and Guatemala for the rest of his life. Always the quintessential entrepreneur, Jerry bought cattle in Mexico and after having them processed, had the hides made into boots and brought the boots back to America to sell. It was through these years that Jerry sold cars, worked construction, raised cattle, cut and sold hay and tried his hand at various business opportunities.
In 1986, Jerry started dating Marilyn Heathershaw Meeks and they soon welcomed the birth of their daughter Jacy. On November 7th, 1987, Jerry and Marilyn were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Gordon. He proudly embraced Marilyn's four children: Amy, Justin, Jill and Jeremy.
In the early 90's, Jerry began buying properties in Gordon and Rushville and at the time of his passing, he owned and managed over 25 rental properties in the local area.
Jerry was a kid at heart and a joy to be around. He loved his children and stepchildren deeply and was so proud of each of them. He was an absolutely genuine person and had many deep and life-long friendships. He was instrumental
in putting together the 2009 Gordon High School All Class Reunion. The reunion was a great success primarily because of Jerry's selfless contributions and guidance.
A year ago Jerry was diagnosed with cancer and after a series of treatments was given a clean bill of health. Sadly, early this year the cancer returned and Jerry faced the prognosis with courage and strength. Jerry passed away at his home on Friday August, 26 with many family members and friends at his side.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Hillard and Rosetta Halverson.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Gordon, his two daughters Holly and Nick Bikakas of Bakersville, Cal., and Jacy Halverson of Lisbon, Iowa. His step children Amy and Mike Pisha of Martin, SD., Justin and Stacey Meeks of Gordon, Jill and John Schaefer of Lisbon, Iowa and Jeremy and Jaymi Meeks of Scenic, SD.
He is also survived by his 3 brothers: Leonard and Carol Halverson of Palmdale, Cal., Bruce and Temple Halverson of Gordon and Richard and Linda Halverson of Chadron, Nebraska.
He also leaves behind 13 grandsons: DJ, Ruger, Hunter, Trayson, Daylin, Lane, Brock, Traden, Hazen, Alex, Beau, Zack and Kosta.
Services were held on August 31, 2016 at the Gordon City Auditorium with Harlen Wheeler presiding. Burial was in the Gordon Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for CARE and donations may be sent in care of chamberlain-pier funeral home P.O. Box 366 Gordon, NE. 69343

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