Gerald C. "Jerry" Hayes

Memorial services for Gerald C. “Jerry” Hayes, age 92, Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 1100 E. Benjamin Ave, in Norfolk. Reverend Steve Lund and Reverend Cindy Cone will officiate. Inurnment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk, with military honors conducted by the Army National Guard Honor Guard, American Legion Post 16, and VFW Post 1644.

The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Visitation with family will be Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church. 

The Service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at The Meadows in Norfolk.

Gerald Crayton was born July 22, 1932, to Arlington “Bunk” Clover and Pearl Averna (Stoddard) Hayes in Auburn, Nebraska. He graduated from Humboldt High School.

On April 6, 1968, Jerry married Judy J. (Siedschlag) Borden at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Norfolk. 

Jerry joined the Army after high school in January 1953 and served overseas until December 1954. Jerry and his brother owned multiple filling stations around Humboldt, NE before purchasing Pepsi bottling company in Norfolk in 1963. Over the years Jerry served his community in many ways. In Humboldt he served the Legion, the Odd Fellow Lodge, the Chamber of Commerce, and was also a volunteer firefighter for many years. In Norfolk, Jerry served the community as part of the Chamber Action Committee from 1967 to 1974. During this time the committee was integral in the bringing of Nucor Steel to Norfolk as well as obtaining the land for Northeast Community College. 

Jerry and Judy had the opportunity to travel to many places. He enjoyed wintering in Sun City, AZ. Jerry was a talented golfer and spent many days on the golf course with friends and family. Jerry was very active in his church both in Norfolk and in Sun City. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, loved attending his grandchildren's activities, and he was faithfully devoted to his wife, Judy. His family have fond memories of his love of family and his fun, playful personality. 

He is survived by his daughter, Becki (Michael) Wulf of Norfolk; foster son, Marv (Mary) Jirovsky of Lincoln; grandchildren, Samuel (Jami) Wulf of Kearney, NE, Misty Luna of Katy, TX, and Christy (Harry) Lampert of Norfolk; and great- grandchildren, Tyler, Carsen, Zach, Madison, Claire, and Charley Jane.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; son, Bill Borden; siblings, Melvin Hayes, Doris Moore, Connie Workman, Marvin Hayes; and an infant twin brother.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 16 or Veterans of Foreign Wars 1644.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.

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