Jerry Dean Atkinson

"To infinity and beyond." For Jerry and Julie Atkinson, this wasn’t just a catchphrase—it was a promise, a way of life, and the very foundation of their love. It meant that their bond had no limits, no conditions, and no end. They said it to each other for 38 years, and even now, that love carries on, stretching far beyond what words can describe.

On January 24, 2025, as Jerry took his final journey with Julie by his side, those words held more meaning than ever. Because if there was anyone who lived a life big enough, bold enough, and boundless enough to stretch beyond infinity, it was Jerry Dean Atkinson.

Born on March 23, 1968, in Franklin, Nebraska, Jerry arrived in this world with grease under his fingernails and a heart too big to measure. From an early age, he showed the resilience and determination that would define his life. Diagnosed with leukemia as a child, he fought and beat it when it seemed impossible. That same fighting spirit carried him through every challenge he faced, always with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart. Jerry wasn’t just a survivor—he was a warrior, wrapped in joy and fueled by an unstoppable zest for life.

Growing up with his siblings in Nebraska, Jerry’s childhood was filled with adventure. Summers were spent in the family RV while his dad worked, giving him the chance to explore the great outdoors. He learned the value of hard work on the farm, but his happiest moments were spent swimming, fishing, riding bikes, and—most especially—tearing through the countryside on ATVs. These experiences shaped the man he would become: fearless, fun-loving, and always ready for the next adventure.

Jerry had a spirit too big to be confined to one passion, and no matter what he was doing, he poured his heart into it. He loved camping, rockhounding, and riding his motorcycle in the mountains, with Julie always by his side. His happy place was on the open road, soaking in God’s creation. Even at home, Jerry found joy in the simplest things—blasting his music and dancing until his ankles hurt, or tending to his garden, always planting extra to share with family, friends, and neighbors. He loved his animals like they were his own children, and in his final years, his loyal dog, Boomer, never left his side.

A heavy equipment mechanic by trade, Jerry found deep satisfaction in fixing things—whether it was an engine that needed tuning or a heart that needed lifting. He had a garage full of every tool imaginable and never passed up the chance to bring an old, beat-up car back to life. His hands were rarely idle, always working, always creating, always giving.

But more than anything, Jerry had an unwavering faith in God, and he lived each day as a testament to that trust. Even when his health declined, he never doubted God’s plan. In fact, the harder things got, the stronger his faith became. He didn’t dwell on what he had lost; he focused on the blessings he still had. He faced every challenge with devotion, resilience, humor, and an appetite—both metaphorically and literally—for the good things in life.

Julie affectionately called him “Mr. Ridiculous” because Jerry never did anything halfway. He went overboard in love, in generosity, in the way he cared for people. His love language was food—constantly stocking up his family’s cupboards, filling their refrigerators, and making sure no one ever went without. He never met a sale on meat he didn’t like, never passed up an opportunity to cook for others, and never let a Christmas go by without spoiling his family with homemade sweets. His cherry surprise, pineapple upside-down cake, and toffee were legendary. And if he heard you needed or wanted something, you could bet it would show up the next day. His generosity knew no limits because making others happy was what made him happy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Jack, his mother, Shirley, and his brother, Michael Atkinson. Those left to carry on his legacy include his siblings: Monte Williamson (Michelle), Debbie Street, Bobbie Atkinson, Scott Atkinson (Bonnie), and Jacquline Copley (Forrest), as well as his in-laws Jerry and Marcella Garcia, Debra Rodarte (Joe), and Marcy Ybarra (Jason). He had many nieces and nephews who considered him a second father—who never once doubted that Uncle Jerry loved them to infinity and beyond. To those who knew him, Jerry wasn’t just an uncle, a brother, or a friend—he was family in every way that mattered. His niece Emily said it best: “He was the strongest man I’ve ever known, his faith never wavered, and his love for his family was immeasurable. He didn’t just marry into our family—he was meant to be in it.”

At Jerry’s request, there will be no formal service. Instead, he’d want his family and friends to turn up the music and dance, fire up the grill, make something sweet for a loved one, and always remember to say, “I love you to infinity and beyond.”

Our hearts are broken, and we will miss you terribly, Jerry. But the world was better because you were in it—and your love, your laughter, and your larger-than-life spirit will live on forever.