Jerald 'Buzz' Francis Goedert, 81, of Sutherland, died at Oshkosh on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Jerry was born in North Platte on April 24, 1938, the first of Raymond and Evelyn (Schrotberger) Goedert's four children. The family lived in Paxton then moved out to the family farm south of Sutherland in 1940, where Jerry grew up. He graduated from Sutherland High School in 1956 then attended Kearney State College before joining the U.S. Army in 1959.
Jerry was stationed at Camp Kaiser in Unchon, South Korea, where he worked as a radio operator. Following his honorable discharge in 1962, Jerry returned to Sutherland to work on the family farm. He had a lifelong interest in farming and the wheat harvest was an event he looked forward to each year. Jerry also enjoyed maintaining farm equipment and the vehicles of his family and friends.
Farming wasn't Jerry's only occupation, he also had a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a rural mail carrier for both the Sutherland and Paxton areas which spanned over 30 years. Jerry safely logged over a million miles on the road which led to him being inducted into the National Safety Council's Million Mile Club. Jerry was honored by this recognition and very proud of his perfect driving record.
After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Jerry spent several years working in the paint department at Walmart in North Platte. In his spare time, he enjoyed morning coffee and visiting with his friends. Jerry was happiest when he was around people. He was a great practical joker and loved to laugh. He also loved to travel when he was younger and later became an avid armchair traveler. On his travels, he collected many friends and happy memories. He loved meeting new people and sharing stories. No one was a stranger to him and the world is a less friendly place without him.
Jerry was the loving father of John (Jacquie) Goedert, of Dallas, Georgia, Mary Ellen (Paul) Neff, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Amy Goedert, of Belleville, Wisconsin; cherished grandfather to Zoe, John, and James; dear brother of Jean Burmester and Mary Ann (Ken) Schroeder, of North Platte, and Suzanne (Dan) Heim, of Denver, Colorado; special friend to Marilyn Howerter; and devoted 'Uncle Buzzy' to many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Evelyn Goedert; brother-in-law, Jack Burmester; niece, Julie (Burmester) DeForrest; and nephew, Tyler Heim.
In keeping with Jerry's wishes, cremation was chosen and services will be held at a later date with inurnment in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Cards for family may be sent to Odean Colonial Chapel, 302 South Sycamore, North Platte NE 69101, which is in charge of arrangements.