Jerry Dean Kotschwar

Jerry Dean Kotschwar

Dec. 17, 1942 - Feb. 28, 2015

CULBERTSON, Neb. -- Jerry Dean Kotschwar, age 72, of Culbertson, passed away peacefully at home Feb. 28, 2015.

He was born Dec. 17, 1942, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Chester James and Arline Louise (Phelps) Kotschwar. His parents settled in a home north of Culbertson, where he was raised and attended school. He graduated Culbertson High School as a four-year letter winner in football, basketball, and track in 1961. He then went on to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he would earn a bachelor of science degree in animal science, being a distinguished member of an Honorary Fraternity for students who maintained a high grade point average.

On Aug. 25, 1963, he was united in marriage to Ramona Alma Miller in the EUB church in Culbertson. This union was blessed with a son, Joseph Dean, and a daughter, Julia Dee. The family would make their home in rural Culbertson, where Jerry went on to have success and happiness doing what he loved, farming and ranching, which he would continue to enjoy throughout his life. He was respected and known in his profession, gaining such honors as the 1975 Regional Outstanding Young Farmer and the Conservation State award. He served on the Frenchman Valley Irrigation District Board of Directors for over 25 years.

Jerry was a devout Christian man. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson where he and his wife were leaders of the UMYF, guiding the youth of the community for 37 years. In addition, he also served on the Administration Council, the SPRC Committee, and the Nominations Committee. In 2010, he and Ramona were awarded the Outstanding Lay Member award for their service to the church that he loved so very much.

He was a man who stayed true to the things that mattered most to him: his family, his friends, and his community. He loved watching his children and grandchildren grow up, encouraging and supporting each of them along the way. His status as a role model led to he and his wife being named the Honor Couple for the 2013 Culbertson 4th of July Parade. He served on the Culbertson Rescue Squad as an EMT for several years. He enjoyed taking part in his church's dinner theaters, and was an avid fan of all things Nebraska Husker. Jerry was a kind, loving person whose actions positively impacted everyone around him, and he will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Arline and his sister, Kathy Jo Traphagan.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Ramona; son, Joseph (Janice) Kotschwar of Culbertson; daughter, Julia Kotschwar of McCook; grandchildren, Carissa Kotschwar of Hays, Kansas, Lucas Kotschwar of McCook, Amber Kotschwar of Culbertson, Elexa Kotschwar of McCook, Brock Kotschwar of Lincoln, and Taylor Rivera of North Platte; great-grandson, Vance; sister, Joyce (Don) Brooks of Paris, Arkansas; aunts, Jenny Lou (Eldon) Cook of Federal Way, Washington, and Mary Helen Cook of Alliance; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson with Pastor Cory Jenkins and Pastor John Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the Culbertson Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.