Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Weisbeck, age 68, died on Sunday, October 9, 2016, in his home surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, “tinker-ing”, and spending time with family and friends, especially his three daughters and six grand-children.
He was born on October 5, 1948, in Martin, South Dakota, to James C. Weisbeck and Mildred L. (Glover) Weisbeck. Brothers, John F. Weisbeck and Robert L. Weisbeck. Jerry is survived by his wife Brenda Bax, daughters Michele Wilson (Jake), Kristin Kirchdoerfer (Travis) and Mitzi Weisbeck; brothers James R. Weisbeck (Cleta) and Frank W. Weisbeck (Linda); sisters Linda Ford (Merle), Mary Ward (Waymon) and Roxanne Farley (Randy); six grandchildren Michaela and Sierra Rose (Michelle) and Abigail, Adoniah, Annakah, and Atti-cus (Kristin); and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry grew up in the Martin, South Dakota area where he attended Martin Grade School and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1966. A popular young man, he was elected Prom King as a Junior. Jerry attended Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. He also took engineering classes at Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota. He spent many years based in Lincoln, Nebraska and in 1993 moved with his two younger daughters (Kristin and Mitzi) and wife (Brenda) to Fort Peck, Montana.
Jerry excelled in school and was a great teacher and mentor to younger siblings and his children. Patient and caring, Jerry could teach anyone how to do anything. As a young student he taught his younger sister how to recite poetry that he was studying in school. An entire string of Weisbeck’s were taught to read by Jerry without even realizing they were learning.
Jerry worked in construction as a concrete finisher before starting his own business which his two brothers, John and Frank Weisbeck helped. Traveling all over the country work-ing on everything from single story to towering skyscrapers. When asked about conquering the possible fear of hanging off the side of a skyscraper, he joked, “You’re just as dead falling from 50 stories as from 5 stories, the point is not to fall.” Jerry’s talents in concrete restoration and finishing included restoration and repair to works of public art and memorials which had been vandalized, such as the “The Smoke Signal” statue in Pioneers Park, and statues in the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln.
Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling all over North America for all types of game. Even in his later years fishing at every opportunity. On a family fishing vacation to Rocky Lake, Manitoba, Jerry grabbed his pole and had caught several Northern Pike off the pier before his Father had finished checking in at the lodge office.
Jerry met his wife (Brenda) of thirty one years in Lincoln, Nebraska. They first met at Tuckers Inn back in 1981. At the time her best friend thought she could catch Jerry’s eye, but nothing could keep him from falling in love with her. After four short years of dating they were married in 1985. They were inseparable and would do everything together. He even got her to hunt and fish along side of him. They carried their love to Montana and stayed for 23 years until his passing.
Once Jerry moved to Montana he became a Fishing Guide on the Fort Peck Lake. He took great pride in giving everyone he took out fishing the time of their lives. He always en-joyed when his oldest daughter (Michele) would come to visit and watching her excitement while catching their daily limit. His middle daughter Kristin (also known as Codi) would love collecting rocks off the banks while fishing and kept them in a special little bag. With a couple rubs with their fingers on the rocks and a toast to the “fish gods” they would always have the best time possible.
Jerry and his youngest daughter (Mitzi) would go hunting every year and made that their tradition. Not one year would go by that they wouldn’t have their tags filled and reaping the reward of the best jerky or steaks around. Jerry had more patience than anyone. He could sit in his blind or against the shrubs in the woods for hours waiting until the right opportunity came to pass.
Everyone knew Jerry as the man of many trades. He could teach himself how to fix any-thing at any given time. Their wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do or give a person in need. He loved to help and loved to be busy working on new projects. Jerry was a hard worker and worked until the cancer got too strong.
Jerry’s wishes before he passed were that he be cremated. At a later date in time there will be a spot in Lincoln Nebraska for a memorial site located in the cemetery.
Jerry was very grateful of all of the support when it became a financial need to travel back and forth to Billings MT for treatment. He had friends and family stand together and fill in the gaps as needed. Support even from complete strangers to help him in the last year before his passing. The entire family would like to say thank you for all of the prayers and support they have received from the Valley County community and the medical staff in Billings, MT. Also, a big thank you to the friends and family that have made commitments to continue to help even after his passing. It brought him great peace knowing that his wife (Brenda) will continue to have help when needed.
Services will be held October 17, 2016 at 10am at The First Assembly of God Church with a reception to follow in the basement. The family is asking that all donations and support be mailed directly to Brenda Weisbeck at PO Box 302 Fort Peck MT, 59223 or dropped off at the Church the day of the service please.