Jerry Wilhelm, 73, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at his home in Brighton, Colo. A memorial service was held on Monday, September 30 at Covenant Lutheran Church, Wheatland with Pastors Joshua Bruns and Lynn Howe (his close friend) officiating.
Jerry Alan Wilhelm was born Thursday, June 6, 1946 in Wheatland to Jacob and Lydia (Nickel) Wilhelm. He grew up with his four brothers and five sisters in Wheatland. He graduated from Wheatland High School, where he was active in football, basketball, and baseball.
Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Dee Ann Croxton, on Sept. 12, 1964 and they had two children, Denise and Jason.
Jerry was of the Lutheran faith and was an active member of Covenant Lutheran Church in Wheatland, where he sang in the choir. He later attended Saint Paul’s in Cheyenne, Saint John’s in Thornton, Colo., and most recently at Zion Lutheran Church in Brighton, Colo.
Jerry enjoyed youth sports and ran the chains at the Wheatland High School football games for over 20 years. He was an avid Wyoming Cowboy fan, as well as a lifelong Denver Bronco fan. His true passion, however, was golf. In 2006 he suffered a stroke but still he enjoyed playing cards, teasing his new “girlfriends” at the Senior Center, was an avid reader, and enjoyed visiting with his many friends and family members when he got a chance.
Jerry started working at a very early age for various grocery stores, gas stations and construction companies. He worked for Bryce Orr Texaco for nearly 15 years and as a postal clerk at the Wheatland Post Office for over 20 years.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dee; his daughter, Denise and son, Jason all of the Denver area; brother, Fred of Cheyenne; brother-in-law, Arnie Cancino of Wheatland; sisters-in-law, Joy Wilhelm of Wheatland, Norma Taylor of Gillette and Mary Tlustos and husband Pat of Rapid City, S.D.; together with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Don and Ruth Croxton; sisters, Ruby Bonifacini, Betty Karriker, Gladys Nagel, Barbara Kittell, and Sandra Cancino; and brothers, Jim, Jake, and William.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org, or Retreat and Refresh Stroke, at Strokecamp.org, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway #16, Peoria, IL 61615.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com
