June 3, 1951 - April 15, 2026
Jerry Smith, 74, of Concord, Neb., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5 to 7p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Allen, Neb. A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. The burial with military honors will be held in Eastview Cemetery in Allen. The family requests that anyone attending the services please wear patriotic attire.
Jerry was born in Stockton, California, on June 3, 1951, the son of Lyndal and Evelyn (Bates) Smith. Following his graduation from Custer High School in Custer, S.D., in 1969, he earned his Associate’s Degree in Engineering Drafting from Western Technical College. He entered the United States Army in 1971, serving until 1974. On May 6, 2011, he was united in marriage to Karen (Woodward) Claussen at Chadron, Neb. They were an active couple that enjoyed life together. Jerry was a member of the Allen American Legion, First Lutheran Church, and the Logan Valley Campers. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, making jewelry, playing cards, camping, hiking, and biking.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Thaddeous (Gloria) Stanton, Kaleb (Maggie) Smith, Jesse Smith, and Jaron (Alexis) Smith; step-son, Jared Claussen; step-daughters, Casie Williams and Chandra Hans; brothers, Ed Smith, Darcy Smith and Charles Smith; brother-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s, Kenny and Kathleen Hill, Keith and RoNelle Woodward, Kevin Oxner and Loraine Buckwald, and Kevin and Stacey Woodward; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lyndal and Evelyn Smith, and a brother, Ronnie Hill.