Daryl  Jerke

CLERGY
Rev. Jonathan Vehar
MUSIC
Organist ~ Dorothy Bietz
Daryl Edward Jerke was born on May 11, 1938 to Edward and Martha (Schneider) Jerke in Scotland, South Dakota. He attended and graduated from Scotland High School. In 1961, Daryl enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1963. In 1964, he was united in marriage to Katherine and two children were born to this union. For a time, Daryl farmed, worked for Boeing in Seattle, Washington, and also worked in the oil fields of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. In 1980, he and Katherine separated.
Daryl began working as a heavy equipment operator for various contractors. As a young man in Scotland, he loved cars and his speeding black-top yellow ’57 Chevy convertible was a familiar sight around town. Now as a heavy equipment operator, he rediscovered his passion for vehicles but traded in speed for size; the bigger the equipment the better. Daryl truly loved his job and continued this career for over 35 years.
In 1989, Daryl married Molly who passed away from cancer shortly after their union. In 1990, Daryl married Joanne who passed away in a truck accident in 1992.
Daryl’s work brought him to Nebraska where he met Ruth Sands. On September 4, 1993, they were united in marriage. Together they moved around the country following where Daryl’s work took them. After a time, they settled in Harvard, Nebraska.
Daryl was a fun-loving man who was quick to laugh and enjoyed life. While he was reluctant to show it, he was a very kind, caring father, husband, and friend.
Daryl passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska having attained the age of 77 years, 10 months, and 5 days.
He is survived and remembered by his wife of 22 years, Ruth Sands-Jerke of Harvard, NE; daughter Pam Sandersen of Sioux City, IA; son James Jerke of Ft. Meyers, FL; grandson Shane Sandersen of Sioux City, IA; 2 step-children; 4 step-grandchildren; and sister Irene Conrad of Springfield, SD;
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Esther Stalker, and previous wives Molly and Joanne.

one hour prior to the service