Jerry DWayne Chapman was born to Everett Dale Chapman and Ivy Beatrice (Schneider) Chapman on April 7, 1940 at Burress, Nebraska, and passed away August 14, 2024, at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska at the age of 84 years, 4 months, and 7 days. He was one of 5 children in the family.
Jerry was a Fillmore County resident his entire life. He went to a one room school near Burress until the 8th grade. Jerry graduated from Exeter Public School.
After graduating from High School, Jerry and friend, Harold Casper, traveled to all 48 continental states.
He was in the Army from 1963 to 1964 at Wurzburg, Germany. He was honorably discharged from the Army because of a family hardship. Jerry then transferred to the Army reserves from 1964-1969.
Jerry worked at NKC as a welder, for Chuck Hulse as a carpenter during the winter months, and then he took over the family farm and farmed the rest of his life.
His hobbies included: mechanical work, wood working, traveling, dancing, cards, and his Burress Mornings.
He was active in the Fairmont American Legion, Exeter Rural Fire Board, and Fillmore County Weed Board.
Jerry, “Hot Rod,” as he was affectionately known by family, had a good sense of humor, was very generous, and loved helping people out. He was always learning and had interesting projects in the works. He ran the saw mill at Trauger’s farm for many years with his dad and brother. He also loved going to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa to the Old Threshers Reunion for the last 45+ years.
Jerry married Esther Rice and to them 4 children were born, Corinna, Larry, Terry, and Perry.
He met his current wife, Karen (Sullivan) Shaw, on the dance floor. She brought to the marriage 2 daughters, Amy and Christine.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Ivy (Schneider) Chapman; in-laws, Gerald and Luana Sullivan; son, Terry Chapman; sister, Marjorie (Fred) Bartu; brothers, Wayne (Francis) Chapman, Monte (Edith) Chapman, Donald Chapman; and sister-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Richards.
He is Survived by his wife, Karen Chapman of Fairmont, Nebraska; daughters, Corinna (James) Bauer of McCool Junction, Nebraska, Amy Shaw of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Christine (Matt) Harre of Exeter, Nebraska; sons, Larry (Christina) Chapman of Raymond, Nebraska, and Perry (Victoria) Chapman of Geneva, Nebraska; 16 Grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
A Funeral Service for Jerry was held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Fairmont Community Church. Lay Pastor Michelle Lessard presided over the Funeral Service. Nancy Jo Galusha accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” The recorded selection “Go Rest High On That Mountain” was played as the recessional song.
Pallbearers included Jesse Klein, Xavier Bauer, Daniel Bauer, Caleb Bauer, Tyson Bauer, Christopher Chapman, Neil Chapman, and Evan Harre. Honorary Pallbearers included John Lowe and Rex Mussman.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors was held in the Exeter Cemetery. Military Honors were provided by the Fairmont American Legion Post 21 and the Nebraska Military Honor Guard.
Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com
Memorials are suggested to the Exeter Rural Fire Board or to the family for future designation.