Gerald A. Boelte

August 15, 1946 - February 22, 2024

Wilson, Wyoming - Gerald Alfred Boelte, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away in a single-vehicle accident on his family property on February 22, 2024 at the age of 77. He was born August 15, 1946 in New Orleans, LA, to Katherine and John Boelte.

Jerry is survived by his cherished wife, Hedy, his sister Carolyn Sanford, his brother John Boelte (Jan), his five children Letty K. Boelte, Leah Chace (Trey), Annie Heard (Chris), Jeremy Boelte (Caitlin), and Caroline Butterworth (Taylor). His legacy also extends to his 12 grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy and wonder. Their memories of their beloved "Grand Duka" will forever be treasured.

Jerry loved to spend time with his family members and was sincerely interested in the lives of each of his children and grandchildren. He was extremely cheerful in affection and ardent in his desire to have a tight-knit family. Pet names, meaningful birthday cards, long outdoor adventures, and purposeful conversation were commonplace in the Boelte household.

He possessed a zest-for-life, brimming with fervor and driven by an insatiable passion for learning, family, faith, health and wildlife. His unwavering determination propelled him to remarkable achievements both personally and professionally.

Though professionally known as an oil and businessman, one of Jerry's greatest joys in life was his dedication to the conservation and enhancement of wildlife. He was deeply committed to the natural world around him, and his efforts to preserve and cultivate land were nothing short of inspiring. His favorite pastime was enjoying the great outdoors and had a daily habit of walking and observing God's creation to his heart's delight. This experience was greatly enhanced for him when he was joined by members of his family.

Jerry obtained his BS in Petroleum Engineering from LSU and grew to become an industry leader in exploration and discovery of oil and gas reserves. His business acumen was admired by many and he worked tirelessly with the staff until his dying day. His enthusiasm for exploration was infectious and in this spirit he built an organization of dedicated, loyal staff who strove for excellence.

In recent years, Jerry underwent a profound spiritual deepening in which he devoted countless hours to truly knowing and loving The Lord. He compiled writings from spiritual giants highlighting insights that were inspiring to him. He joyously shared his "Keys to Success" in the hopes that each person would find at least one item that resonated with them.

Though Jerry may no longer walk among us, his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his extraordinary presence. His "keys" will continue to serve as guiding lights, helping his loved ones as they navigate life's challenges and uncertainties without him.

Rest in peace, Jerry, you were truly "one of a kind".

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28 at St. Mary's Basilica in Natchez, MS. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to St. Joseph's Monastery, 31 Airport Road, Natchez, MS 39120.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun Herald on Feb. 27, 2024.

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Barbara Brodtmann

March 6, 2024

Prayers and love for your loss

Repsol

March 6, 2024

Dear Boelte Family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. On behalf of everyone at Repsol, please know that a donation has been made to the St. Joseph's Monastery in his honor as requested.
Sincerely,
Repsol

Ronald Kohler

March 4, 2024

My class mate always nice person from my childhood

Haines (Pruden) Barksdale

February 29, 2024

I am heartbroken to hear of this loss. I have so many fond memories of being with you all in your home in Teton Pines that you so graciously shared with me, and of course exploring your incredible property in Pinedale, with Jerry as our trusted guide. His enthusiasm for life, family and love for nature are exactly what we all should aspire to have. You have always felt like family, even though decades have passed since I´ve seen you all. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you!

Norbert Wabnig

February 29, 2024

Dear Hedy,
On behalf of Donna, Paul, Liesel,(and I´m sure Pupi) we are so sorry to hear about your entire Family´s loss .When You feel up to it please give me a call.....
All our love,
Norb

Debbie Boelte

February 28, 2024

Dearest Hedy and family,
Jerry will be missed by so many his life has touched. Such a beautiful, amazing life and legacy he is leaving for others.
When I knew him when my boys were young and we'd visit in Pearlington, he was like a "pied piper" to them and they would follow him anywhere! I feel honored to have known him and blessed to have known the family.
With love and sympathy,
Debbie Boelte

Pia and John Crosby

Planted Trees

Pia Crosby

February 28, 2024

Dear Hedy and family,
My sincere condolences to you and to the whole Boelte family! I have such a vivid memory of Jerry, when our families visited at Christmas 2016 on your beautiful property in Natchez. He so enjoyed the Christmas caroling and other music during that memorable time.
May God console you, dear Hedy, and the whole Boelte family, at this time of great loss.
And may Jerry´s soul rest in the Merciful Embrace of the Heavenly Father.
Sincerely yours,
Pia Crosby

Jackie Berthelot

February 27, 2024

To the Boelte family,
I am sending you my sincerest condolences, for Jerry´s sudden passing. My heart bleeds, for the Boelte family, and your loss. Jerry was always fun to be around, and a dear friend to me. RIP my friend.
Jackie Berthelot

Fred & Shirley Settoon

Planted Trees

F.A.S. Environmental Services

Planted Trees

Ronald J Hernandez

February 27, 2024

Rest in Peace Jerry. Prayers for your family.

Eric Springmann

February 27, 2024

My condolences! God Bless you and your family through these times. Eric & Jessica Springmann

Jim Bergan

February 27, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Jerry well but we did spend a part of a day looking at land in the Delta of Louisiana when I worked for The Nature Conservancy. What stuck with me was him saying that if he could, he would just drive around looking at land and duckholes every day. He was an amazing man who has left an amazing legacy.

Settoon Construction Inc.

Planted Trees

Dan Heard

February 27, 2024

Dear Hedy,
I read about Jerry and I´m very sorry for you and all who loved him and still love him. Your loss is great, he was such a good man on earth and helped so many. You are strong but this loss is hard to take. We are at an age in which we are saying "till we meet again" to many friends and family.
Your faith is a rock for yourself and many others.
Thinking of you.
Yours in Him,
Dan Heard

Carol Allen

February 27, 2024

Dear and wonderful Hedy, what a shock to hear this news. You have been such a spiritual influence in my life and I know that same spiritual power was manifest 100-fold with those in your own family. I did not know Jerry, but this lovely obituary makes me think I sorta know who he was. God´s blessings to you and the family. I love you.

George and Barbara Barnes

February 27, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we learn of Jerry's tragic accident. Our friendship goes back to to the time when we were both neighbors on Maryland Drive in New Orleans in the 1970's when we both had young kids and our careers were just starting. We grieve for Hedy and the entire Boelte Family.
George and Barbara Barnes

Sharon Bentz Mustered

February 26, 2024

Hedy and family, condolences and blessings to you until we meet with Jerry in is heavenly abode. Love Sharon Bentz Mustered

Bill Charbonnet

February 26, 2024

My sincere condolences to the Boelte family. I knew Jerry in high school and college days. So sorry to see him gone. I remember his drive and determination to succeed in business. He will be missed.

Marité Zietz

February 26, 2024

i did not know Jerry, or the family, but reading his obituary made me wish i had; i realize i missed out on a uniquely good person. may God provide you all with comfort and peace as you grieve his loss.

Steve Dudgeon

Planted Trees

Navitas Petroleum

Planted Trees

Sr. Maria Helena, SrOA

February 26, 2024

Dear Hedy and Family,
My sincere condolences and prayers for Gerald and you all! We will keep him in our prayers and Holy Masses!
Sr. Maria Helena
Sisters of the Holy Cross

Bill Cotter

February 26, 2024

We got to know Jerry and family when they flew out of Stennis Int´l Airport. He/they were alway upbeat and pleasant. You always felt better after they passed by. Condolences to the family and friends from those that had the please to support some some of those adventures.

Michael Boelte

February 26, 2024

Hi Guys,

I am so sorry to hear this happend, I know that God loves you and my family is praying for peace and rest to be with you all as you navigate all of this.

There are so many different ways he and all of you guys have been a positive influence in my life. To this day my memories of the times we spent running around like river rats along and on the Pearl River are always on my mind l. A lot of the experiences we've had has been a source of great memories and life lessons.

I want thank all of you for the time you shared your Life, your Husband and your Father with us.

Theres a long list of what he shared, but to name a few would be: Pirouge's, swimming across the river to the half sunken boat on the other side, duck blinds, trying to keep up when he went for a run, I believe the first time I drove a pick up was his and from that I learned to use only one foot to work the peddles (I can't say I always take that advice). I can go on, and although I do have a tendency to talk a lot and that extends to anything I write too, but what I want say is that what I treasure the most, is that you all shared is your time and your toil.

So thank you, time is so valuable because it can never can be replaced and he was always so generous with it.

God bless you Jerry and God bless your Family.

Betty&Al Bienvenu

February 25, 2024

Dearest Hedy and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Jerry´s passing. He lead a wonderful life with you and
your children at his side. God bless and keep you.
Love, Betty and Al

Sally & Phillip Cobb

February 25, 2024

We were blessed to meet Jerry after we moved to Pearlington, MS. We are saddened by his passing. May God hold Hedy and his children, grandchildren and extended family in His arms and comfort them during this most difficult time.

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