Jerry L. Newkirk

“A note to my dad—These are by far the most difficult words I have ever written. Your presence in my life has been the most profound of anyone I’ve ever known and your loss will be the same. I will forever be proud to call myself your daughter. The simple lessons that you taught me in life will always be with me. I promise I’ll always work hard to take care of Mom just as you did. You worked so hard...go rest now.”
Jerry L. Newirk, 83, of Hershey, Nebraska passed away in his home Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
Jerry was born Sept. 7, 1940 in Lewellen, where he and his brothers were raised on a farm/ranch operation.
In the fall of 1962 Jerry met his bride to be, Cheri Briggs, and they were wed just 10 days later. Their union produced two children, a son Tony and daughter Cyndi.
Although Jerry spent a good share of his life farming, he also spent many hours behind the wheel of a semi and even owned a small dairy at one point. He eventually brought his family back to Lewellen to farm with his dad. In 1985 Jerry and Cheri made the move to Imperial, where they would reside for 30 years until Jerry officially retired. They made a final move to Hershey to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.
Jerry never lost his love for farming and could often be found tinkering with a tractor in his yard, working in his garden or sitting on the front porch watching the neighbors work the soil, his little dog Chloe always at his side.
Memorials are suggested to the family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Effie; stepmother Elizabeth; parents-in-law Charles and Eula; brothers Harvey and Harry; brother-in-law Dan; son Tony; grandchildren Corey and Casey; and great-grandson Esiah.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cheri; daughter Cyndi; grandchildren Jazmin, Jon, Jackson, Joey, Amelia and Seaira; great-grandchildren Ethan, Emelio, Javier, Ki’auna, Dominique, Aiyana and Skylynn; along with many other family members and friends.
Cremation was chosen. Services will be held at a later date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.