Jerry Wayne Nelson, born September 24, 1949, in Stella, Nebraska, was one of 5 children of C. Edwin and Kathryn Sue (Gilbert) Nelson. Growing up, he attended church in Stella, as well as Stella public school. He was a member of the first graduating class of Southeast Consolidated Schools.

Jerry entered the United States Army on July 29, 1969, and served in Vietnam during the war as a light weapons infantryman. Jerry was awarded a Purple Heart and Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars for his valor. He received his honorable discharge on June 7, 1971, and returned to Stella.

On April 1, 1983, Jerry was united in marriage to Becky Lynn Nosler on the front step of the Jersey Lilly in Langtry, Texas. Their union would be blessed with a daughter, Shane.

During his lifetime, Jerry operated heavy machinery in his earlier days, later was a long-haul trucker driving across the country. He also drove cattle and grain trucks locally.

Jerry was an active member of the Shubert American Legion Post #222. He enjoyed mechanic work, especially on old cars and was a die-hard Chevy guy. He had raced boats and raised “weird” animals, including long horns and ostriches.

Jerry passed away at his home in Verdon, Nebraska on Sunday, July 6, 2025, having reached the age of 75 years, 9 months, and 12 days. His wife Becky passed away on February 20, 2020, and he was also predeceased by his infant brother Jimmy, brother Bill, and sisters and brothers-in-law Joanne and Dick Wheeler and Norma and Kenny Stinson.

Among the many who mourn his passing are his daughter and son-in-law Shane and Joseph Decker of Ripley, OK; granddaughters Josie and Jessie Decker; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held Friday, July 11, 2025, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Lauri Bowman Beach. The casket bearers were Joe Decker, Michael Wheeler, Jeff Huettner, Jim Owings, and Jed Wamsley. Burial followed in the Stella Cemetery.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home.