Gerald "Jerry" Heinrich

Born on August 13, 1950, in Scottsbluff, NE, Jerry was the son of the late Harold and Betty (Heywood) Heinrich. He grew up in the panhandle of Nebraska with his sisters, Pam and Barb, and brother, Ron. His family also spent many of his childhood years living on a leased family farm. From a young age, he was known for his size and love of taking risks that often resulted in accidents and various injuries. His size ended up being a literal ‘life saver’ when he survived what could have been a fatal accident when a full-size tractor fell on him when he was 15. He spent 44 days in the hospital but was able to get back to normal with only permanent scars and lots of aches and pains as he aged as a reminder. He graduated from Wheatland High School in 1969. He returned to school later in life to pursue a degree in drug and alcohol counseling at NWCC and Chadron State. His motivation was to help others due to his own struggles with alcohol until he gained his sobriety 38 years ago. Jerry worked various jobs but spent many years off and on being an over the road truck driver. He owned and operated his own trucks until 2009. His daughters have fond childhood memories of getting to ride along.

Jerry believed he was quite the ladies’ man and was still teasing the nurses during recent hospital stays. At the age of 20, he met his first wife, Ginger Leonhardt, and married in September 1971 after a short courtship. They shared three daughters, Kim who was born in 1972 and twins Julie and Carrie that were born in 1976. Jerry married his second wife Sandie Alfred in July 1990. He considered her daughters, Kendele and Kayla, his own even after they later divorced. Jerry often talked about how proud he was of his daughters and how they brought him joy.

Jerry was known for his witty humor and ability to make friends wherever he was. He enjoyed visiting with his old and new friends over coffee. Many may still remember seeing him until the late hours in the smoking section at the Country Kitchen. Thank goodness he kicked that habit more than 15 years ago. He had a passion for riding motorcycles which he shared with his good friends and family. Jerry was a member of ABATE and the Patriot Guard. It was a bittersweet moment when he took his last ride to Lingle, WY on his 73rd birthday with his daughters, nephew and some close friends. Jerry impacted many people in our community through being an active member in AA for many years. He not only took advantage of attending meetings and sober events but also sponsored several others to support their journey in maintaining sobriety. The offer of help even extended sometimes to a room to stay in his home. His family often were told stories from people they just met on how Jerry impacted their lives positively and was willing to be there during some of their most difficult times.

Jerry was a member of the Harvest Valley church and passionately shared about his beliefs and relationship with God. He wanted others to know how his faith has changed his life for the better and wanted the same for those he cared about. The time spent with his church family was very important and kept him in good spirits.

Jerry is survived by his daughters Kim (Jay) Steinle, Julie (Jarvis) Thompson, Carrie Heinrich, Kendele Voigt and Kayla Carrizales; sister, Pam Randall; grandchildren Taylor Eckman, Tatum Strong, Paige Hopkins, Kolten and Korbin Thompson, Aspyn Johnson, Caiden and Emmersyn Voigt, Haylee, Madison and Jackson Knox; great grandchildren, Sage, Brant, Reece and Jace and numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Betty and siblings, Ron and Barb and brother-in-law, Ira.

The family invites you to a celebration of life service, officiated by Pastor Joel Hergert, on Saturday, January 18th at 2pm at the Harvest Valley church in Scottsbluff. A cremation has already taken place.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all those that have reached out to offer their condolences and share stories of Jerry. Any donations made in lieu of flowers can be directed to his daughter, Kim Steinle, and will be used for any outstanding expenses. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com.