Gerald Lee "Jerry" VanDeVenter

1938 - 2025

Gerald (Jerry) VanDeVenter was born on March 7, 1938, in Tekamah, NE to Guy and Mildred VanDeVenter. Jerry was raised in Blair, NE until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his years in active duty, Jerry joined the Marine Corps Reserve where he retired in 1998 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Jerry was also a police officer and started his law enforcement career as a patrolman in Commerce City, CO in 1965. He then transferred to Aurora Police Department where he retired in 1994 as a Detective.
In 1963, Jerry had a son named Bryan VanDeVenter and in 1967 he had a son named Richard Tavenner. On August 1st, 1970 Jerry married Sondra Stuart who had four children of her own: Debbie, Harvey, Vernetta and Robert Dunn. They created a beautiful blended family. In December 1971, Jerry and Sondra added a seventh child to their family with the arrival of their daughter, Jerrie.
Jerry enjoyed outdoor adventures and spent time with family and friends camping, fishing, and hunting. In retirement, he volunteered for Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) as a Hunter Education Instructor plus he held various part-time positions with the agency.
In 2022, Jerry and Sondra moved to Lusk, WY. On October 15, 2025, at the age of 87, Jerry passed quickly and peacefully in his home. He is survived by his best friend and wife Sondra VanDeVenter, his daughter and son-in-law Debbie & Jack Pfister, his son and daughter-in-law Harvey & Sue Dunn, his daughter Vernetta Short, his son & daughter-in-law Robert & Tracy Dunn, and his daughter and son-in-law Jerrie & Andreas McKee. Jerry is also survived by 16 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids.
Loved by all and known for his big, boisterous laugh, kind heart, big hugs, and ornery and friendly spirit!
A military service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 4400 W Kenyon Ave. Denver, CO 80236 on November 3, 2025 at 11:30AM. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1PM, at Goode Centennial United Methodist Church located at 6381 Olive St, Commerce City, CO 80022.
A Celebration of Life Service will also be held at the Pier Funeral Home located at 101 W 4th St, Lusk WY 82225 on November 7, 2025 at 6PM.