Jerry Dean McAtee

Jerry Dean McAtee, 55, Beatrice, died Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at his home. He was born Aug. 8, 1953, at Steele City. He lived in the Fairbury and Beatrice area before moving to Cheyenne, Wyo., then moving back to Beatrice in the early 1970s.

He married Lorraine Milligan on July 12, 1974, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beatrice. Jerry worked for BSDC, Petersen's Manufacturing, then for Marshall's Truck Stop for 20 years before working for NEAPCO the past seven years. He was involved with the Boy Scouts Troop No. 85 and held several offices, member of the CRT (Certified Response Team) and the Optimist Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and stock car racing where he was a member of the pit crew for the 00, 74 and 27 cars. He especially loved his grandchildren and family.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine; sons, Mike McAtee and wife Michelle of Beatrice, Chris McAtee and wife Becky of Fairbury, Shawn Milligan of Beatrice; six grandchildren, Jocelyn Morgan of Beatrice, Celeste Lewis of Griffin, Ga., Davian Snyder, Antonio Kappelmann, Brin McAtee and Kami McAtee all of Marrowville, Kan.; brothers and sisters, Terry McAtee of Seward, Beverly McAtee of Beatrice, Robert McAtee of Fairbury, Donald Jessen and wife Marlene of Fairbury, Dallas McAtee of Kearney, Janet McAtee of Beatrice, Leon Petersen and wife Tammy of Quincy, Ill, Lori Rector of Beatrice, Carol Morphis and husband Herb of Centerville, Ark., Tammy Brown and husband Mitch of Cheyenne; mother, Kathy Estabrook and husband Jim of Cheyenne; parents-in-law, Loyal and Julia Milligan of Beatrice; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by mother, Reva Hutchison; father, Lester McAtee; sister and brother in law, Lorna and Vernon Thompson and niece, Sara Peterson; and grandparents.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beatrice with Father Steven Major officiating. A memorial has been established to the family's choice with the mortuary in charge. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Beatrice. The body will lie in state at Harman-Wright Mortuary of Beatrice Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., then at the church one hour preceding services on Friday. A guestbook for signatures and messages of condolence is available online at http://harmanwrightmortuary.com">harmanwrightmortuary.com  Harman-Wright Mortuary, Beatrice in charge of arrangements.