Jerry Paul Koloen

Jerry was born in Omaha Nebraska on December 1, 1945 to Oscar and Marianne Koloen.

Jerry and Paulette married in 1966 and had 2 children, Amy and Christopher. He truly enjoyed staying close with extended family, cousins and in-laws.

Jerry attended High school at Benson High in Omaha and was a Benson Bunny who played Tuba in the Marching and Jazz Bands. He also played the Trumpet in the Union Pacific Band. Jerry worked for The Union Pacific Railroad just out of high school. He left Union Pacific to work for the Nebraska Department of Roads for 40 years. He held several different positions over his tenure there including Surveyor, Construction Inspector and the occasional Snowplow Driver (about which he had many gripping tales). Late in his career he served as State Representative for Local Projects. Most will never realize how dangerous it can be building and working on our highways and bridges.

When a summer weekend was free from work, the day was often spent with family, boating and jet skiing at Fremont lakes. Vacations however, were opportunities to venture farther down the highway to Tablerock Lake Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Montana, New Jersey and beyond to Europe. There were many adventures and stories from these travels.

After retirement, Jerry enjoyed "inspecting" from the deck. Watching the dog walkers, birds, and the extensive gardens Paulette had worked so hard on. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed the sunshine and our midwestern thunderstorms.
Jerry loved keeping in contact with family, longtime friends and work colleagues. As his health deteriorated, he greatly appreciated visits and phone calls from friends, NDOR pals and family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Marianne Koloen(Sheldon), Granddaughter Mikala.

Survived by his wife of 55 years, Paulette, Sister Gayle (Joe), Children Amy (Nick) and Christopher (Andrea), Grandchildren Jacob, Kalie and Nicole. Great Grandchildren Lily, Jasper, Jonah and numerous extended family members and in-laws.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Good Shepard, L street Chapel, Friday June 23, 2023, from 5-7pm in the lower-level reception room.

Memorial checks to the Elmwood Cemetery or directly to the family
Mail address for Elmwood Cemetery PO Box 247 Elmwood, NE 68349 for support of maintenance.