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Obituary for Jurden J. "Jerry" Jelken
Jurden “Jerry” John Jelken of Highlands Ranch, was born February 15, 1949 in Campbell, Nebraska and passed peacefully on Monday, January 6 after a valiant battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving wife Carol Sue (nee Greenberg), devoted son Todd, supportive brother Norman (Yvonne), brother-in-law Arthur Greenberg (Lori), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Katie and Henry. As a Marine, Jerry lived his life with honor, dignity, and loyalty.
Jerry grew up on a farm with loving parents, Katie and Henry, and his siblings, Norman and Kathy. He is preceded in death by his other siblings; Arlen, Edgar, and Donna. As a 12 year old child; He learned the value of hard work and perseverance helping on the farm. If Jerry didn’t know how to repair or build something, he quickly figured it out.
He attended a one room country school and graduated from 8th grade. He then attended Kearney Senior High School in 1967.
After two years of college at U.N.K. Jerry joined the U.S. Navy in 1969 and attended submarine school at Treasure Island San Francisco. From the Fleet Submarine Force, he applied for the U.S. Navy NECEP program and was transferred to the University of Kansas where he completed his BS in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation he became an officer of the U.S. Navy. He then applied and was accepted to train as a pilot at the Naval Flight training center. After graduating from flight school; he transferred to the U.S.M.C. and was assigned to the USS Midway. Jerry served honorably reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Jerry met Carol Sue, the love of his life in New Jersey. They married and were blessed with their son Todd. Jerry’s employment took the family to several states and most recently moved from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Highlands Ranch, Colorado where they enjoyed the mountain views. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed traveling internationally as well as seeing all the beauty in the US National Parks.
Jerry was a wonderful host, gentleman, friend, husband, and father. He will be greatly missed by all. May he rest in peace
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Previous Events
Funeral Service
Thursday
9
Jan
11:00 AM1/9/2020 11:00:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
1/9/2020 12:00:00 PM
The Chapel at Ellis Family Services
13436 West Arbor Place Littleton, CO 80127
The family will be sitting Shiva (receiving family and friends) following the chapel service from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM and then on Friday, January 10th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the family home, please join them. Private family interment will take place on Friday morning at the cemetery.
The Chapel at Ellis Family Services
13436 West Arbor PlaceLittleton80127CO
United States
Cemetery Details
Location
Fort Logan National CemeteryFinal Resting Place
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard Denver, CO 80235
3698 South Sheridan BoulevardDenver80235CO
United States
Memorial Contribution
Freedom Service Dogs of America
7193 S. Dillon Ct. Englewood, CO 80112
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Jurden's honor to the Freedom Service Dogs of America.
