Gerald (Jerry) Van De Venter was born on March 7, 1938, in Tekamah, NE, to Guy and Mildred Van De Venter.  Jerry was raised in Blair, NE, until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.  After his years in active duty, Jerry joined the Marine Corps Reserve, where he retired in 1998 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant.  Jerry was also a police officer and started his law enforcement career as a patrolman in Commerce City, CO, in 1965.  He then transferred to the Aurora Police Department, where he retired in 1994 as a Detective.

In 1963, Jerry had a son named Bryan Van De Venter, and in 1967, he had a son named Richard Tavenner.   On August 1, 1970, Jerry married Sondra Stuart, who had four children of her own: Debbie, Harvey, Vernetta, and Robert Dunn.  They created a beautiful blended family.  In December 1971, Jerry and Sondra added a seventh child to their family with the arrival of their daughter, Jerrie.

Jerry enjoyed outdoor adventures and spent time with family and friends camping, fishing, and hunting.  In retirement, he volunteered for the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) as a Hunter Education Instructor and held various part-time positions with the agency.

In 2022, Jerry and Sondra moved to Lusk, WY.   On October 15, 2025, at the age of 87, Jerry passed quickly and peacefully in his home.  He is survived by his best friend and wife, Sondra Van De Venter, his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie & Jack Pfister, his son and daughter-in-law, Harvey & Sue Dunn, his daughter, Vernetta Short, his son & daughter-in-law, Robert & Tracy Dunn, and his daughter and son-in-law, Jerrie & Andreas McKee.  Sixteen grandkids and 18 great-grandkids also survive Jerry.

Loved by all and known for his big, boisterous laugh, kind heart, big hugs, and ornery and friendly spirit!

A military service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 4400 W Kenyon Ave. Denver, CO 80236 on November 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 1 PM, at Goode Centennial United Methodist Church located at 6381 Olive St, Commerce City, CO 80022.

A Celebration of Life Service will also be held at the Pier Funeral Home located at 101 W 4th St, Lusk, WY 82225, on November 7, 2025, at 6 PM.