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Gerald Ernest Carlson, lovingly known as “Jerry,” passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2025, at the age of 86 at Elk Ridge Assisted Living in Elkhorn, Neb.
A man of faith, resilience and unwavering dedication to family and community, Jerry lived a remarkable life rooted in the values of hard work, integrity and devotion to Christ.
Born in 1938 in Storm Lake, Jerry’s life began with a challenge —arriving with the umbilical cord around his neck. The decision to deliver him in the hospital rather than at home proved lifesaving. His early years were spent on a farm near Pomeroy, in a home without electricity or plumbing. At a one-room schoolhouse, he peaked at second in his clas — he would note, “the other gal was really smart.”
In 1949, the family relocated to Albert City where Jerry began fourth grade. There across the classroom sat Elaine, a witty farm girl who would become his lifelong partner. Jerry’s father Ernest treated him as a partner from a young age, instilling a strong work ethic and ethical business principles. By age 15, Jerry’s passion for livestock led him to persuade a broker to enter the trade, with his mother driving him across the state to seal the deal. A tragic car accident involving his parents at age 16 thrust Jerry into full responsibility for the family farm and livestock, a role he embraced with determination.
On April 2, 1960, Jerry married Elaine, and together they built a life centered on family and faith and were blessed with two children. In 1963, Jerry purchased a stockyard facility in Storm Lake, later expanding to a larger operation in Alta. Over his career, he operated across 26 states, Canada and Mexico, serving over 1,500 customers and trading more than two million sheep. His business acumen and integrity earned him respect far and wide.
Jerry’s unyielding faith in Christ was the cornerstone of his life. A co-founder of the Alta Church of Christ, he also served on the board of Nebraska Christian College and supported numerous Christian organizations. Jerry’s quiet strength and frequent calls to prayer inspired those around him. His testimony was made by example and not words.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Elaine of Elkhorn, Neb.; daughter Jody (Terry) O’Doherty of Omaha, Neb.; son Todd (Jill) Carlson of Rochester Hills, Mich.; four grandchildren: Kyle (Kyla) O’Doherty, Ryne (Ashley) O’Doherty, Jordan (Allison) Carlson and Hayley (Raymond) Pow; five great-grandchildren: Kayden, Lynk, Kamden, Lorilyn and Karter. Other dear survivors include sister LaVonne Moline of Owasso, Okla.; sister-in-law Joan Phillips of Manning; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mayme Carlson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wayne and Edna Martin; brother-in-law Dwayne Moline; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Marion and Norene Martin, Dale and Joan Martin, Gilbert Phillips and Joyce Hoskins.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, at Northwest Christian Church, 505 West Hwy, Alta. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. A fellowship lunch will be served immediately after the service at Alta Community Center. A private family interment will follow at Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Northwest Christian Church, Alta, in honor of Jerry’s legacy of faith and service. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
