Jarry Vaughn Petterson age 72 of Lincoln died Saturday, September 23, 2023 surrounded by many loved ones, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and sister. He was born May 24, 1951 in Omaha to Theodore and Della (Hendrickson) Petterson.
Jarry served in the United States Navy on the USS Coral Sea. As an enlisted sailor, he spent time in Vietnam and the Philippines. After four years in the military, he worked for the Veteran’s Administration as a Boiler Operator until he retired from the government in 2000. Jarry then went to work for the Lincoln Indian Center as the facilities manager. He also spent some time working for Lincoln Housing Authority before officially retiring and taking time for himself and his wife, Judy. Jarry was an avid Table Tennis player and loved starting and directing the sport in the Cornhusker State Games, running tournaments, and taking his girls all over the country to as many tournaments as he could. He loved when they excelled at it and took great pride in their successes. When he wasn’t working or playing Table Tennis, you could find Jarry out on the lake fishing or boating. He also loved gardening, bike riding, HAM radio, storm chasing, spending time with his kids and grandkids, fixing or “Jarry Rigging” all the things, and playing card games. He never sat for long, but when he did, you could usually find him eating some kind of cookie or ice cream with a giant Shasta.
Jarry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2010. He remained active and didn’t let it bring him down. Jarry continued to do many things he loved until the Parkinson’s Dementia caused his decline this summer.
He is survived by his wife Judy Petterson, daughters and sons-in-law Angie and Tom Burke of West Haven, Utah, Terri and Kelly Schrad of Garland, Nebraska, Candi and Jason Stege of Lincoln and Robin Petterson of Lincoln. Grandchildren and spouse, Ashleigh and Dachota Keller, Isaiah Epting, Tyler Schrad, Cameron Schrad, Jack Stege, Nadiya Schrad, Sam Schrad, Malik Epting and Blaise Schrad. Great grandchild Braelynn Keller. Sister and brother-in-law Liz and Dennis Fleming of Omaha. Brothers and sister-in-law Rick and Diana Sutcliffe of Kansas, David Petterson of Clay Center, Kansas, sister Sharon Foster of Missouri and brother Bruce Petterson of Iowa. Jarry was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Ordale Petterson and one sister Gwynetha Petterson.
Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Wyuka Funeral Home. The service will be Live Streamed, watch by clicking HERE. A reception immediately following the service will be held at the V.F.W. Hall, 3340 West “A” Street, Lincoln.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 27th from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to the Parkinsons Foundation, Nebraska.
Its so hard to lose anyone much less a parent – but Jarry was surrounded by his family which tells the world, his family was there for him, as he was in their lives. God bless him, God bless his family – may he rest now, in peace.
Thinking of you all Judy, sending deepest sympathies and prayers of comfort at the difficult time and always.
Love from Massachusetts
GINA
JARRY WILL BE MISSED! He was a good brother in law, and shared his goods, from his garden. Always there when you needed him, and kept moving so he wouldn’t get stiff joints. Not much a complainer, just kept moving.
Jarry was like a 2nd dad to me. He taught me to water ski, play table tennis and enjoy delicious garden veggies. It always cracked me up when he would laugh so hard and smack his knee. I remember walking into the Petterson house to Jarry playing table tennis. He would be down there for HOURS practicing by himself against a half unfolded table. I am so thankful I got to spend so much time with this family growing up. I love you all!!!!
Jarry made things better. I ditched my car once. I was scared of my own dads reactions. Jarry just starts fixing the bent Crome on my car. He had a calmness about him I remember as a kid I found comforting. We would play grocery store 🏬 n the basement with all the extra food storage. He didn’t say much. The garden and the greenhouse were so cool to me as a kid. The Petterson’s house holds so many happy childhood memories! RIP Jarry! Much love Judy, Angie, Terri, Candi and Robin Leigh!!! ❤️🥰
My first brother and best friend since we met at age 16 thanks to a mutual friend Tim. Life took us in different directions and places but we have always been close. We will miss you Jarry! You will forever hold a place in our hearts 💕!
Can’t believe your gone I’ll never forget you teaching me table tennis. And going over to you and Judy’s house all the time to play. You tought me so much as a young boy thanks for the memories
Uncle jarry was such a wonderful person.. he was loved by so many and will be missed by so many. Aunt Judy I love you and prayers for our Nebraska family
Judy and family, You are in my heart and prayers. The kids were so lucky to have Jarry to call when they did something they shouldn’t have done. He didn’t yell at them he just helped them as best he could. He was a great 2nd. Dad for all those girls.
My first brother and best friend since we met at age 16 thanks to a mutual friend Tim. Life took us in different directions and places but we have always been close. We will miss you Jarry! You will forever hold a place in our hearts 💕!
Our deepest sympathy for your loss! You guys were the best neighbors when we lived in Ceresco, many fun memories of that time! May your lifetime of your memories of Jarry give you & the girls comfort 💕
Thinking of your family as they meet today and wish our family could be with you all. Take care of each other and love to all
I can’t believe you are gone! My heart goes out to the family.There are so many memories at your house The times we would go dancing,the Husker parties we had.Jarry was a great man loved his family .His garden was always the best.He loved his tennis.He loved fishing.We always had fun camping.I loved Jarry and his family.Jarry RIP! You will be missed!