He attended public school in Fairbury. He went on to received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Nebraska- Lincoln with hours in Life Science. He also attended Fairbury Junior College and Wichita State University. His various jobs included Baker, Counselor at Nebraska Corrections and Lincoln Regional Center, car salesman, and he worked on different pipelines. Jerry worked with thoroughbred horses as a breeder, trainer, owner, and in equine dentistry. He owned horses with Marcia and traveled and raced around Nebraska, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Illinois. Some of his hobbies included telling jokes and stories to others, upholstery classes and projects, and working on cars. He also enjoyed history and science reading and projects, watching birds, squirrels and other wildlife. He enjoyed listening to music. He was always willing to learn new things.
Left to cherish his memory are Marcia Blender, significant other and partner; his sons Heath Cole & wife Nicole Narboni, and Matthew Cole & wife Rachel Cole; brother-in-law Kent Blender & wife Linda; grandchildren Smith Cole and Lennox Cole; nieces Christina Schoenholz & husband Chris, and Hannah Blender; nephew Deric Blender & wife Kassie; great-nephews and great-niece Tyson Schoenholz, Jaxon Schoenholz, and Brya Blender. He also has many friends that will miss him.
Preceded in death by Jerry’s parents, Millard & Ruby Cole and brother Douglas Cole; Marcia’s parents, Everett & Helen Blender; and great-nephew Zander Schoenholz.
A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O St, Lincoln.