Gerald L. “Jerry” Swanson
January 27, 1938 ~ October 28, 2022
Jerry Swanson was born January 27, 1938, in Scribner, Nebraska to Harold and Loretta (Lahmann) Swanson. His family moved to Carson and Oakland, Iowa before settling in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1950. Jerry graduated from Bellevue High School in 1956. He married Kay Marie Jagusch August 1, 1959 and they made Bellevue their home.
During High School Jerry worked at Crawford Lumber in Bellevue where his father was the manager. He met several builders and began his career after high school fine tuning his trade. We worked for Marv Potter for a few years and then Dennis Homes (Freeman Company) for over 30 years. Two of his co-workers, his son in law, Jerry, and friend Ron Reynolds formed R & J Contracting and Jerry worked with them until knee surgery forced him into retirement in 2003.
Not being able to sit still, Jerry became the Construction Manager of Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County until his final retirement in 2017. Needless to say, there are many homes in the Bellevue and Metro area (Twin Ridge I and II, Cherry Hills, Fontenelle Hills, College Heights, Quail Creek, Stonybrook, Nelson Creek) built by Jerry Swanson! Many Sunday drives were history lessons of who lived where in Bellevue.
Jerry was a hard worker but also someone who made time to enjoy life! Jerry and Kay had many Friday night dates joining friends for dinner and then dancing at Fontenelle Hills Country Club. They enjoyed Husker football games and traveling to visit Jodi and Andy and their grandsons, Nick and Justin. Jerry was an avid golfer and looked forward to golf trips with his buddies in Florida, South Carolina, and the Ozarks. He also had a reserved bar stool at various watering holes in Bellevue! If he wasn’t at home, we usually knew where to find him!
He was a fan of John Wayne and any western, movie or tv show. (Having three daughters he also watched numerous ballet recitals, high school musicals and Bellevedette performances). Jerry and Kay also went to as many of their grandsons’ soccer matches, football games and golf matches as they could (which were a lot!)
Survivors include daughters Kary Jo Onken (Jerry) of Millard, Steffi Swanson (Rick Quinlan) of Bellevue and Jodi Butela (Andy) of Albany, New York, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Sister Mary Troth of Phoenix and sisters in law, Vicki Hall (Doug) of Bellevue and Grace Swanson of Phoenix, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry’s family would like to thank Hillcrest Hospice for their support, care and kindness to Jerry over the past three months.
Visitation: Wednesday, November 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bellevue Memorial Chapel.
Memorial Service: Thursday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. at the Bellevue Memorial Chapel.
To view video of the service, click on the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/gerald-l-jerry-swanson-cnivfubmcnj2d4ndytys
Private Inurnment: Bellevue Cemetery
Memorials suggested to Habitat for Humanity in Sarpy County / www.habitat.org or by the family.
2 Comments
We hope that each one of you in Jerry’s family will be comforted by God who brings peace as we all fondly remember him throughout his life here on earth. He so enjoyed the work he did and he and Kay enjoyed such talent in their own backyard and home. He had a quiet love for all as witnessed by continuing as long as he could with Habitat. In loving concern and sympathy, Stan & Ione Popken
Steffi, My sincerest condolences for you and your family at this time. You and Rick have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Rick and I wish you and your family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love. The great memories you shared with your dad will give you the strength to move forward each day. I know Ms. Kay is waiting for him with open arms.
In loving friendship,
Mary Macias-Cox
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