Cover photo for Gerard L. "Jerry" Stever's Obituary
Gerard L. "Jerry" Stever Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Gerard L. "Jerry" Stever
1934 2020

Gerard L. "Jerry" Stever

December 5, 1934 — March 18, 2020

Gerard (Jerry) LaVerne Stever, 85, passed away peacefully March 18, 2020 in Topeka, Kansas. The oldest of seven children, he was born December 5, 1934 to Ivol and Alma Stever in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1953 and achieved rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 345 also in 1953. Jerry attended the University of Nebraska and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He married Mary Ann Thiesfeld on February 11, 1956.

He is survived by his children Julie (late Bob) Peter, Ellinwood; Brian (Maria) Stever, Topeka; Greg (Julie) Stever, McPherson, Kansas; and Lisa Stever, Topeka, Kansas. His grandchildren, Cody (Christine) McNorton, Kelli (Slayton) Rous, Kristine (Cory) Willoughby, Kirstee (Alex) Lyon, Shan (Tony) Srott, and Jennifer (Clint) Busing; his great grandchildren, Troy, Carrington, Adeline, Brody, Hayden, Piper, Poppy, Benjamin, Mason, Stevie, and Austin. He is also survived by four siblings, Mary Lou (Troy) Lyon, Sandy (Larry) Otto, Chip (Deb) Stever, and Jim (Kathy) Stever.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Mary Ann, parents, and two brothers, Larry and Tom.

Jerry started working for Meadow Gold Dairy; selling products house to house in Nebraska City then transferred to Columbus, Nebraska and worked for Beatrice Foods for 22 years before retiring. After retiring, he was fortunate to be successful working for Montgomery Wards retiring after 20 years. While at Montgomery Wards, Jerry was recognized as top salesman for seven years and enjoyed several trips with his wife Mary Ann.

He was truly a teacher to so many, volunteering for 10 years at the Topeka Literacy Council and taking great pride in helping several students achieve their goals. He was awarded the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Education Award with the United Way, for freely giving his time, commitment, and service to others.

He served in the Nebraska National Guard for 12 years achieving the rank of Sergeant 1st class.

Jerry enjoyed everything outdoors; fishing, camping, and hunting. He and Mary Ann enjoyed following Washburn Ichabod's football and basketball teams and met many friends while working the ticket booth.

He was a true role model to all as his love for life never changed even with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Jerry's strong faith in God helped him through this struggle.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lexington Park Assisted Living and Elara Hospice for their wonderful care with our father.

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Literacy Council, Inc., 1119 SW 10th Ave #1, Topeka, KS 66604, or Elara Caring Hospice, 901 NE River Rd, Topeka, KS 66616 or the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Foundation; Red Carpet Services, 1515 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or MS Society, 2020 W 89th St Suite 100, Leawood, KS 66206.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, Jerry's family invites you to enjoy the memorial tribute honoring their father.

To view the memorial tribute video please click Memorial Video button above. To leave a message for Jerry's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerard L. "Jerry" Stever, please visit our flower store.

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