Jerry Northrop

Oct. 25, 1931 ~ April 21, 2023

Jerry Northrop was born to Otto and Irene (Deines) Northrop, Oct. 25, 1931, in Harvard. He passed away Friday April 21, 2023.

Jerry’s family moved to Clay Center where Jerry spent his teen years and graduated from Clay Center High School. Upon graduation, Jerry enlisted in the Air Force, where he would spend 27 years serving his country. Jerry married Edna (Edie) Louise Hansen on Dec. 24, 1950. While stationed in Tennessee, they had two daughters, Debbi and Robin. Their military assignments took them to Germany, Texas, and Colorado where their son Jeffrey was born. Jerry had to deploy to Vietnam for a year and the family lived with Edna’s parents in Clay Center. Upon Jerry’s return, they were assigned to Florida, then Turkey, and then Virginia. Then the family was sent to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, it was discovered that Edie had breast cancer. She had surgeries and treatments and was thought to be cancer free. Jerry’s next assignment was to Washington, DC, and he chose to retire rather than live in that area. Jerry, Edie, and Jeff moved to Lincoln in June 1976. Again, Edie was diagnosed with cancer, this time it was terminal. She died Nov. 28, 1978.

Jerry was working for a car dealership and his path crossed with that of Carol Lee Palmer, who worked at another dealership. They struck up a friendship and that grew into love. They were married March 23, 1985. Carol’s daughter, Julie, joined the family. Carol gave Jerry flying lessons as a gift, which allowed Jerry to see a dream come true. He loved to fly and took his grandkids up in his plane every chance he could.

Jerry was a Charter Volunteer for NE-Map, the Nebraska Motorist Assist Program. He spent many hours each week driving the interstate, helping motorists that needed gas, a tire changed, a ride back to town, or the myriad of other needs a stranded motorist could have. With serving in the military, volunteering at Capitol City Christian Church where he was a member, and volunteering with NE-Map, Jerry led a life of service to others.

Preceding him to heaven were his parents; wife Edie; both Edie’s and Carol’s parents; brothers Leo and Max; grandson TJ Bumgardner; great-granddaughter Kambryn Monk; and son-inlaw Joe Bryan.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Debbi (Steve) Hopkins, Robin Bryan, Julie White and son, Jeffrey Northrop; grandchildren, Amy (Kevin) Monk, Scott (Jamie) Bumgardner, Chase (Jennifer) Bryan, Casey (Bruce) Henry, Caitlin Bryan, and Angela Miller; great-grandchildren, Dallas, Kricket, Kaden, Kelby, Jacob, Kylan, Cash, Diem, Boone, Maybe, Brayden, Beatrix, Elizabeth, Adrian, and Liam; and brothers Jack and Tom Northrop.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nebraska Humane Society and The Cat House.

Visitation is April 26 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St, Gate 3, Lincoln, NE, 4-8 p.m.

Graveside Ceremony, April 27, at the Clay Center Cemetery at 1 p.m.

Celebration of Life, April 29, 1-4 p.m. Stone Cliff Estates, 5831 Enterprise Dr. Lincoln, NE.