Jerry was born April 7, 1921 in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, to Otto J. and Anna R. (Hansen) Kolm, who farmed in the area. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and Boone, Nebraska, and graduated from Albion High School in 1939. On July 1, 1942 he and Irma L. Briese, also of Boone, were married.
During World War II Jerry served in the Army Air Corps, 12th Air Force, in combat on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. He was a member of the ground support crew for a squadron of B-25 bombers. When Jerry was discharged in 1945, he and Irma farmed near Boone.
In 1958 the family moved to farm near Hooper, Nebraska. Jerry left farming in 1965 when the family moved to Fremont. He continued applying his many farming skills, employed with DeKalb AgResearch in the production unit and the research division. He retired in 1983.
Jerry was an active volunteer in his church for many years, managing and operating the audio and recording system for services, and for many weddings and funerals. He was an avid league bowler for many years, participating in regional and state tournaments, until spine surgery in his mid-eighties's curtailed his winning streak. In every community where he lived, Jerry was a stalwart and faithful neighbor, helping when he saw a need and always willing and able to lend a hand.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his younger sister, Shirley, and wife Irma, who died in 2011. He is survived by his sons Paul and wife Amy of McDonough, Georgia; David and wife Marianne Anderson of Alexandria, Virginia; two grandsons, Jeffrey and wife Penny of McDonough, Georgia, and Jonathan of Alexandria, Virginia; two step-granddaughters, Susan Anderson, and husband Matt Pfeffer, and Janice Anderson; a brother-in-law, Irvin Briese of Lincoln, Nebraska, and a sister-in-law Mary Briese of Albion, Nebraska; five great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Peace Lutheran Church, 2102 North County Road 26, with Sean Tyler and Rev. Joe Baumgartner officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Ione Popken
Fremont, NE Friday, March 21, 2014 When we came to Fremont 26 years ago Jerry and Irma were one of the first people we got to know at church. They were always serving in what ever way they could to help others and the church. We have missed seeing them in these later years but want the family to know that they are fondly remembered.With sympathy in Jerry's passing, Stan & Ione Popken
Ken & Dorothy Gehring
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 20, 2014 We lived across the street when the houses were new. You Have our sympathyDouglas Depue
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 20, 2014 So sorry to hear that Gerry has passed away. I was the guy who he called to trim his hedges. I would enjoy visiting with him, he would tell me about the old days when he farmed, howhe missed his beloved wife, and how proud he was of his sons,Paul and David. I'm thankful for the opporunity to have met Gerald Kolm, he was a really neat guy. Rest In Peace Gerry !!!!!!!!!!!
Don Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, March 18, 2014 I carried Gerry's mail for many years and he was a fine gentleman. We had many talks through the years. Don D