Jerry Haertel, 70, of Lincoln, passed away at his home on July 27, 2018, following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer since September 2012. He was born June 7, 1948 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Leroy and Vernelle (Damme) Haertel.
Jerry graduated from UNL where he was a member of AGS fraternity. His degree in agriculture strengthened his love for farming, a career he pursued all his life. Through the years his career led to his selection to the Nebraska LEAD program, membership on the Nebraska Soybean Check off Board, trade missions with the Governor, service as President of the Nebraska Young Farmers and Ranchers Education Association, and Outstanding Farm Family awards. An active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Waverly, Jerry was a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed and a licensed real estate agent. An avid Husker fan, he enjoyed attending all the home football, volleyball, and men’s basketball games, as well as attending the men’s conference basketball tournaments each year with a group of friends. He loved collecting and driving his vintage muscle cars, golf, hunting, fishing, reading, collecting John Deere toys, and visiting his grandchildren in California as often as possible.
Survivors include wife, Patti, of Lincoln; son, Garrett (Meaghan), of Hollister, CA; daughter, Paige (Chris) Dahlbeck, of Lincoln; brother, Kent (Mary), of Greenwood, NE; sister, Patty Scheel, of Waverly, NE; grandchildren, Donnobhain, Reilly, and Alannah Haertel; brother-in-law, Michael (Evon) May, of Lincoln; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and grandchild, Emma.
Celebration of Life service 7:00 p.m. Monday August 13 at Peace Lutheran Church in Waverly with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m.
Memorials to Peace Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, Camp Coholo (Children’s Cancer Camp) and Make-A-Wish.