Jerry Dwaine Leikam

Jerry Dwaine Leikam, age 87, went to be with the Lord on Friday November 17, 2023. Jerry was born on the 11th of April 1936, in Lyman, Nebraska, to Henry and Christine Leikam. He grew up in the small farming community of Minatare, Nebraska, where he graduated from Minatare High School in 1954. Jerry played football, basketball, and ran track in high school, and was the valedictorian of his graduating class. After one year at Chadron State College he spent four years in the US Navy. Before leaving for his tour of duty, he met JoAnn Mitchell of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and they began dating after he returned home from service. They were married in 1961 in Scottsbluff, and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska shortly after. Jerry attended the University of Nebraska where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964. They moved to St Louis, Missouri where Jerry began his career at McDonnell Douglas. The couple had two sons, Mark and Craig, and Jerry enjoyed coaching his young sons in football and basketball, as well as participating in golf and bowling leagues, and singing in the church choir. In 1980 the family moved to Littleton, Colorado, where Jerry began working for Martin Marietta. Jerry retired in 1995, and, in the years following, continued to enjoy golfing, fishing, and other Colorado activities.

 

For the last 20+ years, Jerry’s greatest joy was his four grandchildren. He enjoyed attending every sporting event, music recital, and school activity that he could. He and JoAnn hosted many family events, holidays, birthdays for all the children and grandchildren. Their family was truly their greatest joy in life. Jerry was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of love, thoughtfulness, generosity, and leadership as the Leikam family patriarch.

He is survived by his sister Rosetta and brother Alan, his sons Mark (Kelly) and Craig (Allison) and grandchildren Christina, Andrew, Benjamin, and Jessica. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn, the true love of his life.