Jerry was born on August 16th, 1963 to Barbara “Bobbie” and Buddy Richard Petrus. He was the youngest of four children and the only boy. Jerry was always running around with his pretend gun and trying to be like all the guys in the old western movies he loved. His family enjoyed going to the lake, had a pool in their own backyard, and always had gatherings at their home. Throughout high school he ran around with guys that would end up being his lifelong friends. His childhood home was a block away from school so they would skip and head over there to party. Jerry knew how to have a good time. And he did just that.
Jerry had all kinds of different jobs. He was kind of a jack of all trades. He liked working on cars. He did construction, installed pools, worked in a factory. He began working at Sioux Chief Manufacturing Company in 2006 and remained there until his passing.
In 1987, Jerry met Diane and they were inseparable. They fell fast and hard for one another. Sharing their love of music, they went to see groups like Tom Petty and The Steve Miller Band. Gatherings and parties were at their house with all the neighborhood friends. They owned that block. Diane was seven years older than Jerry and she had a young son named Mark that he took as his own. In June of 1988, Jerry had his first and only daughter Sara. Michael was born in 1992 and the clan was complete. It was the five of them and usually a dog or two.
Jerry was a huge Kansas City sports fan. He even had season tickets to the Chiefs when they weren’t good! During the summer, you could find him with a hot dog in hand at good ole Kauffman Stadium. He taught his kids how to shoot hoops and showed up to every game. He loved camping and the family went camping and to the lake just as he had when he was little. Jerry was a kind hearted man who always seemed quiet but then again, Diane wasn’t, so it balanced out. He was quick with a joke or a big bear hug. He loved really hard and being a father was something he truly adored. Being a grandpa was the best job title he ever said he got. Jerry would give them donuts, cupcakes, milkshakes and tell them not to tell their parents. He loved going out to eat with the kids and spending money on them. Jerry lost the love of his life in 2018. He was lost without Diane. The most beautiful part now is that they are finally together again.
Jerry’s legacy does not end here. Left to cheer on the Chiefs and Royals are his loving sisters Pam Waters, Brenda Crow, and Cindy Sesler; his children Mark Stewart, Sara and Tim London, and Michael Petrus; his grandchildren Ayden, Henry, Erik, and Stella; and his loving dog Dexter. Jerry will be forever missed.
To keep things "Jerry" we ask you wear red, blue, something Chiefs, or Royals Friday. Keeping it casual so he can see the sea of friends and family from wherever he is.
Flowers may be donated or in lieu of flowers donations may be made to KC Hospice House in Jerry's name. They took wonderful care of him in his last days.
A visitation for Jerry will be held 10 - 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday, May 6, 2022 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Committal service will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
