Gerald “Jerry” or “Jer-Bear” Raymond Nowatzke, aged 71, passed away at his home in North Platte on December 13, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was welcomed into the world on June 12, 1952, in Harlan, IA, to Raymond and Madonna (Paollazzi) Nowatzke.
Jerry grew up as a farm boy in Harlan, IA, where he attended and graduated high school. Jerry met Diana and they were wed on November 11, 1990, in Fort Collins, CO and moved to North Platte, where they made their forever home. Upon entering into marriage with one another, Jerry and Diana combined their families, and adopted two children, making a total of twelve kids that they loved together: Dave, Roger, Scott, Jill, Robin, Lisa, Tom, Jodi, Marli, Mandi, Charlie, and Cher. Throughout their lives together, the couple fostered over 200 children, forever changing the lives of those kids. The family spent many summers at the lake in their 36-foot RV with two jet-skis, at a church convention, or an amusement park, making memories that will be cherished forever. Above all else, Jerry treasured his family and led by example, laying down a foundation for his children’s relationships in the way he treated his wife, Diana, as well as, everyone he came in contact with. He was a true gentleman, telling Diana everyday how beautiful she was and how much he loved her, holding her hand and opening every door for her.
Jerry worked as a sheet metal man for Weathercraft, beginning in 1990, until he and Diana established their own business in 1998, Arch Siding & Seamless Gutter; “Arch” being an acronym for “Always Reliable Competent & Honest”. Within their business, they also operated Archies Juices & Smoothies, often employing and teaching their children the ins and outs of a business. In 2006, the business was sold to Weathercraft and Jerry began working for them again as a contractor this time. Jerry suffered a stroke in 2010 and was unable to continue his work as a contractor. However, being the stubborn and dedicated man he was, he started a job at Karl’s, where he worked for five years.
Jerry was always the calm in the chaos but the wild card too. He nurtured, loved, and taught his children, but wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to embarrass them either. He loved to travel all over Nebraska and Wyoming to watch his grandkids in all of their activities. He was the grandpa that snuck candy to the kids, even after grandma told them “no”. Jerry loved to garden his vegetables and was able to fix anything. He was also an avid Elvis Presley fanatic, an impersonator and a collector. Jerry also celebrated 43 years of sobriety this year and survived eight years after being diagnosed with a brain tumor; a true testament to the strength he had.
Those that remain to carry on the King’s legacy include his wife, Diana; children, Dave Nowatzke, Roger (Libby) Nowatzke, Scott (Kim) Nowatzke, Jill (Eugene) Ulrich, Robin (Jimmy) Wessel, Lisa McIntosh, Tom McIntosh, Jodi McIntosh, Marli (David) Jackson, Mandi (LeJae) Seipel, Charlie (Kallie) Nowatzke, Cher (Ryan) Smith; 35 grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Marie, John, Eugene, Ronnie, Theresa, and Mike; as well as many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren, Ashley and Aaron.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.