Jerrol “Jerry” Alkema passed away on August 17, 2017 at 79 after a long and valiant battle with lymphoma cancer. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Angie; his daughters Tammy (Troy Rasmussen), Sherry (Richard Avery), and Brenna (Mike Durkin); 7 grandchildren Trevor (Erin), Tyson (Christina), Tucker, Zack, Jeff, Noah, and Josie. His brother Ken (Carolyn) and many nieces and nephews also survive him.
Jerry was born August 16, 1938 in Ogden, Utah, to Elmer and Mildred Alkema. He attended Ogden High and loved to duck hunt, which gave him a passion for Black Labs. McPhee (Mac) is his last of four. Jerry graduated from the University of Utah with an Electrical Engineering degree. He worked for General Electric Computer Department, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Computer Sharing Services, and McDonnell Douglas. He raised his family in Denver and enjoyed his passion for the outdoors.
At age 45, Jerry retired. A true artisan, he enjoyed working with his hands and earned his certificate as a Gemologist. With Angie, he loved to mine gemstones. They mined Yogo sapphires in Montana, Red Beryl in Utah, and cut stunning gems of all kinds. Jerry also enjoyed building grandfather clocks and assembling beautiful stained glass windows. Later, fulfilling his lifelong dream to live, fish, and hunt in the mountains, Jerry and Angie purchased land in Dolores, Colorado, where they built a grand home and fostered lifelong friendships.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, loved his family greatly, and will be missed.
In compliance with Jerry’s wishes, a private cremation was done and his ashes will be taken back to Colorado. A celebration of his life will be planned in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lymphoma Research Foundation at https://community.lymphoma.org in his name.
Love and thought are with you.
We knew Jerry to be a very giving and good friend for the short period we knew him . We will contribute to the organization mentioned.
We know you all will miss him so much. Love to you all.
Sherry. So sorry for your loss. Sounds like a great father. Beautifully written.
Dear Angie and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you. Lyn and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Loving hugs to you today!! Ginny and Lyn Goodbar
I am so very sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. He was a good cousin to look up to and hear about his adventures. He will be missed. My love and condolences go out to Sherri and his family, Sincerely Marcia Newey Lono
Angie so sorry about your loss. Today I recalled many fine memories of Jerry as my cousin next door. As you know he enjoyed making all things fun and exciting . My love and care go out to you and your family. Joann Johnson Bell