Jerry Lee Kerr was born on February 5th, 1941 to Lloyd and Laura (Becker) Kerr in Valentine, Nebraska. The youngest of five, Jerry and his brothers Jack, George, and Willie were known to be full of antics much to their mother's chagrin. He attended Valentine High School, prior to his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1959, at age 18.
Although he did not talk much about his time in the service, Jerry served as a Fireman Apprentice on the USS Kearsarge. Jerry was active duty from 1959 to 1961 and inactive service until he was Honorably Discharged from the Navy on May 6th, 1965 at the age of 24.
Jerry married JoAnn Bachelor of Valentine on December 27, 1963. In May 1968 the couple welcomed their first, and only child; a daughter named Bobbie, whom Jerry lovingly referred to as Boo.
Upon returning to Valentine, Jerry held a few different jobs prior to taking the role as owner and operator of Thomas Auto Parts, a NAPA Dealership in Valentine in 1966. Jerry’s extensive automotive knowledge made him the go-to guy for residents of Valentine and the surrounding region. In his nearly 50 years at “The Store,” Jerry often filled his customer's needs without needing to check the books or later, the computer. Jerry was also known to return to the store after it had closed for the day to get a part for an individual working on their vehicle or to help a stranded motorist, often selling the part at cost. He was especially inclined to help if the motorist had a child as he always had a soft spot for little kids. On the other side of the store sat Andy’s Glass Shop and the “Row of Wisdom”. The stories and antics that the Row of Wisdom produced are too numerous to count and although legendary, are not appropriate for publication. Jerry looked forward every year to seeing bikers traveling through to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, as well as snowbirds traveling through town on their way to and from Canada. Over the years members of both groups would stop by the store whether they needed a part or not. Jerry sold the store in 2015, working at Cherry County Implement before fully retiring in 2019.
Outside of work, Jerry was an active member of the Valentine United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Minnekadusa Lodge 192, serving as the youngest Master of the Lodge in the lodge’s history. He was also a member of the Eastern Star Minnehaha Chapter 19.
An active man his entire life, Jerry liked to spend his time lifting weights and running, which later gave way to walking. The family has since learned that he was known to some in town as “that guy walking around town with the stick”.
Since his passing, the family has had the pleasure of hearing from individuals whose lives were touched by Jerry in some way. From financial assistance to providing a voice to others in need, and from helping members of the neighborhood anonymously while refusing to take anything in return or tell anyone he had done it, even JoAnn, Jerry was known around the community for lending a helping hand.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father Lloyd, mother Laura, and brothers Jack (1964), George (1990), William “Willie” (2018), and sister June Faubion (2003).
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, JoAnn; daughter Bobbie and son-in-law Joe of Sioux Falls, SD; his grandsons Jarad (and significant other Kathleen) of Chicago, IL and Jory (and wife Karla) of Aberdeen, SD; sisters-in-laws, Mary Kerr, Karen Andrus, Donna Bachelor; faithful dog and regular walking partner, Bobby; and multiple nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation is Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 3 pm to 9 pm at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine, Nebraska with family present 6 pm to 8 pm.
Celebration of Life is Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10 am at the Methodist Church in Valentine. Interment with military honors will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family as a charity has yet to be determined. Please consider a donation of blood to your local blood bank. Jerry received multiple units of blood while in the hospital and blood supplies are critically low across the country.