Jerry Kaelberer

Jerald "Jerry" Hark Kaelberer

Jerry, age 79, went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2025, following cardiac arrest, surrounded by loved ones. Born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1945, in Sisseton, South Dakota, he was the son of Reverend Erhardt E. and Helen Emma Hark Kaelberer.

When Jerry was a year old, the family moved to Wentworth, South Dakota, and later to Deadwood, where his father pastored Grace Lutheran Church LCMS. Jerry was confirmed there at age twelve. At sixteen, another pastoral call brought the family to Pocatello, Idaho, where he graduated from high school.

He continued his education at Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska, where he wrestled on the college team before transferring to Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, after his father became pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church LCMS. That summer, Jerry began working for the U.S. Forest Service and enlisted in the Wyoming National Guard.

In 1971, Jerry married Dianne Sue Beemer after a six-week courtship. They made their home at the Wapiti Ranger Station in the Shoshone National Forest, where they shared many adventures-including adopting an outdoor pet porcupine named Charlie, who could be fed with a baby bottle and even held and petted.

After ten years, Jerry left his beloved career with the U.S. Forest Service only when he and Dianne were asked to relocate-a move they declined in order to remain close to their large extended families. The couple settled in Cody, where Jerry went to work for American Heating and Roofing.

In 1974, their daughter Stacey Ellen was born, followed by Shelley Elaine in 1977.

After fifteen years with American Heating and Roofing, Jerry joined his brother/best friend, Bob, and their close friend Dick Williams, to form Efficient Facility Management (EFM). He took great pride in overseeing the grounds and operations of the main Marathon building in Cody. EFM later purchased the old Marathon Building at 808 Meadow Lane. For sixteen years, Jerry ensured the buildings and grounds were well maintained and ran smoothly. After the sale of 808, he continued his work as building facilitator for another sixteen years, retiring in the summer of 2021.

Jerry enjoyed hunting and pack trips in his younger years and was an avid fisherman, camper, and golfer.

In retirement, he could most often be found cheering on his grandsons-Forrest Musser, Jared Grenz, and Tyler Grenz-at hockey, baseball, wrestling, football, and soccer games across the Northwest. His grandsons were the light of his life.

A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Jerry attended Christ the King Lutheran Church LCMS in Cody, where he served in various positions over fifty years.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dianne; daughters Stacey Grenz (Bart) and Shelley Musser (Mark); grandchildren Forrest Musser (Mallory), Jared Grenz, Tyler Grenz (fiancée Allison Magargal), and great-grandchildren Charlie and Calvin. He is also survived by 102 immediate family members, including his treasured mother-in-law Betty Beemer; cherished sister and dear friend Romell Reinker Gravelle (Vince); sister-in-law Cindi Kaelberer; sister-in-law Dena Roemmich (Rich); brother-in-law David Beemer (Cindy); brother-in-law Donald Beemer (Karen); and many beloved nieces and nephews-the Reinkers, Lees, Ungrunds, Gibsons, Roemmichs, Dethlefs, Whitlocks, Beemers, Holms, and Beaversons.

Welcoming Jerry to heaven are his parents; brother Bob; sister Lavonne Lee; brother-in-law Ken Reinker; and father-in-law Dean Beemer.

More than anything, Jerry loved his family. He showed it in the everyday things - his service his support, and his pride in their accomplishments. He loved well, and he was well loved.

Funeral services will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cody on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 11am with viewing and visitation the hour prior.

Memories and condolences can be shared on Jerry's memorial page at www.BallardFH.com