Jerry E. Ward (1933-2020)

     Jerry E. Ward, age 87, of Gothenburg, Nebraska (formerly of Arthur, Nebraska) passed away on October 20, 2020 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.
     Jerry was born on October 20, 21933 at Arthur, Nebraska to Floyd and Juliette (Moody) Ward.  He graduated from Arthur High School.
     Jerry entered the U.S. Army after high school and subsequently served in Korea.  His 16 month service brought him to Virginia, Maryland, Washington, and Colorado before his discharge.  Jerry returned to Arthur, where he helped on his step-father's ranch.  Jerry eventually moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a time before relocating to Kadoka, South Dakota, where he worked for the highway department.  In the mid-1970's, Jerry moved to Texas, where he worked in the oil fields, eventually returning to Nebraska in the mid-1980's.  While in Nebraska, Jerry worked for Baymont Hotels for over 25 years.
     Jerry was an avid fisherman.  He enjoyed watching NBA games, especially when his Golden State Warriors were playing.  Jerry also enjoyed watching WWE Wrestling matches for many years.
     Jerry had a big heart and was very loving.  He was slow to anger and quick to forgive.
     Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Steve Wilson; granddaughter, Deja; his sister, Joan Dorris; half-sisters Melody Peterson, Sharon Martinson; and brother-in-law, Wilton Dorris.
     Survivors includes his three children, Jeffery (Shellie) Ward of Sturgis, South Dakota, Gary (Tracie) Ward of Pahrump, Nevada, and Tammy Ward of Victoria, Texas; grandchildren Erin Ward, Kiana Barfield, Matthew Ward & Kaitlin Heier, Allista Vetter, Gerald, William & Joseph Ward.  Survivors also include three siblings, Jim Wilson of Tampa, Florida, Marlene Larsen of Arthur, Nebraska, and Janice Morrell of Ogallala, Nebraska; along with many other relatives and friends.
     Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in Jerry's memory.  Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. 
     Graveside services were on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the Arthur Cemetery in Arthur Nebraska with Pastor Blake Wilkes officiating.
     Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala, Nebraska was in charge of arrangements.