Jerry Brown Waldo, 83 years of age, of Republican City, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society – Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska. Jerry was born on March 27, 1937, in Harlan County, Nebraska, the younger of two children born to Haskell and Cartha Mae (Gifford) Waldo. Jerry received his education from Republican City Public Schools and later graduated from Republican City High School, with the class of 1955. He enjoyed playing basketball in High School. He pursued higher education from Kearney State Teachers College for one year and finished his degree in Biology at Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colorado in 1960.
On April 6, 1960, Jerry was inducted into the United States Army at the U.S. Army Personnel Center in Oakland, California. He received a rifle sharpshooter award, a Letter of Appreciation for continuous excellence as a medical laboratory specialist from Captain Avram A. Jacobson, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1962, Jerry served in the Army Reserves.
On March 8, 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Marlys Jean Hauserman. To this union four children were born: Dwight, Julie, Christy, and Michael. The family made their home in Republican City, where they enjoyed the outdoor activities of hunting, fishing, and recreating on Harlan County Reservoir. The Waldo family owned and operated the Commercial State Bank, beginning in 1903. Jerry started working in the bank in 1962 and worked there until health issues forced him to retire in July 2014. Serving customers at the Commercial State Bank was his life’s passion.
Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, restoring classic cars and drag racing. He made many friends at the races and always said bracket racing was the toughest game he ever played. He always looked forward to the racing season and seeing old friends, to talk cars and race with them. Jerry loved dogs, yellow Labradors in particular, and cats; and spoiled many of them throughout his lifetime.
He was a member of the Republican City United Methodist Church and served on the Republican City School Board, Republican City Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Squad, for many years.
He was preceded in death by; his parents; Haskell Waldo in 1994; Cartha Waldo in 1998; and his in-laws: Fred Hauserman in 1995; and Doris Hauserman in 2006.
Jerry leaves to celebrate his life: his wife, Marlys Waldo of Parson’s House in Omaha, Nebraska; his children: Dwight (Missy) Waldo of Republican City; Julie (Joe) Waldo of Salt Lake City, Utah; Christy (John) Ferguson of Omaha; and Michael (Alana) Waldo of Alma; six grandchildren: Abigail and Jack Waldo; John and James Ferguson; and Cameron and Emilia Waldo; his sister, Jane Waldo Reck (Gerald) of Bellevue, Nebraska; one brother-in-law, Larry (Deborah) Hauserman of Golden, Colorado; nieces; nephews; extended family; and many friends.
Our husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2020, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma; per CDC guidelines of 10 people or less in the facility at one time.
Private Funeral Services for Jerry B. Waldo will be held on Monday, June 8, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Republican City United Methodist Church in Republican City, Nebraska with Reverend Jim Bendorf officiating. Jerry’s funeral service will be live-streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook page.
A Public Graveside will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Republican City Cemetery, in rural Republican City. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army Military Funeral Honors Team.
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Waldo family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Jerry’s services based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.
A memorial has been established in Jerry’s honor and will be designated to: the Republican City United Methodist Church or the Good Samaritan Society - Colonial Villa in Alma.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.