Gerald Wellendorf

Jerry Wellendorf lived his entire life in Omaha, NE. His parents, Gerald Henry and Mabel Bernadette raised him and his sister Mary in the Cathedral neighborhood. It is here where childhood friends grew into a lifetime of friendships. These grade school and high school friends still get together keeping this connection to each other through the many years that have passed. This is also where Jerry met his wife Jean of 60 years. They married on September 11, 1965, and in last few years tested the vows "in sickness and in health." Jean was his main caregiver, and she did it with so much grace.

Jerry graduated from Cathedral High in 1961. After graduation he studied at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Jerry did spend some time in active duty for the Army Reserves during the Vietnam War. This was something he was very proud of, and Jerry often recalled his time cooking in the mess hall. Jerry spent most of his working years at Northwestern Bell. When he had the opportunity to take early retirement, Jerry did. He spent the rest of his time as a remodeling contractor. He helped many families make improvements around their house. Jerry enjoyed working with his hands and he took great pride in his "painting skills." He was meticulous, for sure "slow," detailed oriented, and delivered the best work he could. During this time, he also worked part time as an office manager at Cella Quinn Investment Services from 2014-2018.

In Jerry's younger days he enjoyed bowling. He threw a decent ball, and it even earned him a nick name - the "dorfball." Golfing was another activity he enjoyed with friends, his kids, sons-in-law, and grandkids. As the years went by, he enjoyed working around his house and yard. He enjoyed the warmer days when he could plant flowers and garden.

When thinking of Jerry a few words come to mind. He was patient, helpful, kind, and quiet. Patient for sure as a parent of seven kids, who tested his patience over the years. The most challenging would have been their "car problem" years. Their cars spent more time in the shop getting repaired than on the road. Whether it was a stalled car left in the middle of the street, a new car crash, or a blown engine due to forgetting his request to check the oil, Jerry's temperament never changed. He took everything in stride. Helpful also described Jerry. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and he was willing to help with anything you requested of him. If you needed help with a house project, researching the best car or tires, paint, or an appliance need - Consumer Reports was something he knew well. He was always eager to help you find the best solutions, too. This love of research and facts is something he had passed along to a few of his grandchildren.

Jerry was not only patient and helpful he was kindhearted person. He spoke kindly of people. His kindness always shined through when talking about his kids, grandkids, and the love for his pets. The kids and grandkids would often joke about how they did not make the screen saver on his phone, but his beloved dogs and cats did. Jerry showed up to many sport activities and other activities the grandkids were involved in. He was very proud of all of them, and he noticed each individual quality that made them special. Lastly, Jerry's "quietness" was his best quality. He was not the life of the party. He was more content in observing or just talking one on one with someone. Jerry had an inner peace about him, a quiet heart, and he had a sense of contentment. Sure, there were difficult days when he struggled, but he knew he had lived a blessed life. He had a wife, children, and grandkids who stood by his side through the good and the bad that life had to offer. He was forever grateful for the loving care that he received. In the end the kindness he gave to us was returned upon to him.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Love is patient and kind;

Love does not envy or boast;

It is not arrogant or rude,

It does not rejoice at wrong doing,

But rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things,

Hopes all things,

Endures all things.