Jerome Thomas Dijak

Jerome (Jerry) T. Dijak passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023 at the age of 74 while surrounded by family at his home in Papillion, Nebraska.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Deborah, as well as his five children: David Dijak (and his spouse Jennifer), Kathryn St. Clair, Carolyn Fuller (and her spouse John), Melissa Edwards (and her spouse Ben), and Michael Dijak; his siblings: Charles Dijak (and his spouse Zina), Edward Dijak (and his spouse Cheri), and Diane Kanode (and her spouse Ken); and nine grandchildren: Chloe, Gabriel, Lucy, Phoebe, Chloe Grace, Raya, James, Kayla, and Kaelynn.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Veronica Dijak.

In 1970, Deborah wanted a ride on the motorcycle that was parked in front of the dorm at the University of Rochester. The motorcyclist was Jerry. They were married a year later on June 12, 1971. Jerry graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, and then he joined the Air Force as an officer. He earned a PhD in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science from Cornell University in 1983. He served honorably for almost 22 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

After retiring from the Air Force, Jerry began work in the private sector at First National Bank of Omaha, where he stayed for about 15 years. His work included pioneering the technology required to place custom photos onto credit cards.

Jerry loved his family and shared with them his love of adventure and travel. He and Deborah learned to sail at Lake Chiemsee when Jerry was stationed in Germany. When Jerry and Deborah lived in the Omaha, Nebraska area, they took their children on sailing vacations at Lake Superior for 15 years. Jerry was also a private pilot, an amateur radio operator, a scuba diver, and an avid tinkerer. He was always working on a project in his basement office or in the garage. Jerry loved to tell his stories and make people laugh; he had a great sense of humor. He led a very full and happy life, and he loved deeply. Jerry will truly be missed.

VISITATION Sunday, August 13, from 2-4pm at Good Shepherd L Street Chapel. Private family interment at the Omaha National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. See www.gsfuneral.com for more details.