Gerald "Jerry" Lee Sturman

Gerald Lee

Gerald Lee (Jerry) Sturman was born June 20, 1935 at Lusk, Wyo., the son of Ben and Margaret DeGroot Sturman. He died Nov. 6 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo.

He was raised in Lusk and graduated from Lusk High School in 1953.

In November 1953 he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Japan during his active duty. He was discharged in January 1956 with the rank of Corporal but served in the Marine Corps Reserves until November 1961. While in the service, he received the National Defense Service Medal.

After release from active duty, he worked on ranches around the Lusk area.

On June 1, 1958, he married Janice Podolak and they had three sons, Mark, Kent and Cody. After their marriage, they moved to their present ranch home in the Prairie Center community where Jerry began his life long work of raising top quality cattle.

He began with registered Polled Herefords and three years ago he began breeding a new French breed of cattle, Salers. Working the ranch with his wife and sons, the raising of top quality cattle and horses and riding a good saddle horse was the love and joy of Jerry's life.

He was an active supporter of the youth of the community being a 4-H leader for 20 years and being involved in the Future Farmers of America. He served as 4-H Council President in 1973 and Southeast District Director in 1976 and 1977. He received the Outstanding Man Leader Award in 1980 and the Rancher of the Year in 1982.

He was a long time member of Wyoming and Niobrara Farm Bureau and was a past president. He was one of the organizers of Save Wyoming Water and served as state treasurer. He was a member of the Lusk Elks Lodge No. 1797 and past Exalted Ruler.

He was a past director of the Colo.-Wyo. Polled Hereford Assoc. and was a member of the Northern Plains Salers Assoc. and the American Salers Assoc. Jerry was a life long member of the First Congregational Church in Lusk.

He was an avid out-doors man, hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

He is survived by his wife Janice, sons, Mark, Kent and Cody all of Lusk; five brothers, Jim of Upton, Walt and George of Lusk, John of Casper and Harold of Laurel, Mont.; one sister, Marge Grisham of Casper and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were held for Gerald Lee Sturman at the Congregational Church in Lusk on November 9, 1984 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Roy Howell officiating.

Music was by Wanda Hansen, organist and Joy Kaltenheuser who sang "The Place Where I Worship", "The Last Roundup" and "How Great Thou Art."

The active pallbearers were Jimmy Shane, Jack Wade, Ralph Sides, Paul Soderberg, Bucky Barnette and Everett Kilmer.

Honorary pallbearers were Phil Brewster, Nate Vance, Larry Lund, Gary Jacobson, Bill Babcock, Bob Blackmore, Sheridan Wolfe, Bob Hladky, Rich James, Bebe Reed, Ed Baldwin and Lawrence Kaan.

Graveside services were by the Marine Honor Guard. The colors were presented by Greg Britton, captain of the Honor Guard and a cousin.

Interment was at Lusk Cemetery.

Memorial may be sent to The First Congregational Church Organ Fund or to the family for a special neuroscience memorial.

Arrangements were by Peet Mortuary.

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