attended the Milford Technical College (now Southeast Community College).
He worked for the Midwest Lumber in Lincoln before moving to Fremont in 1978. In Fremont he was employed for many years by Engineered Wood Components, now known as Structural Component Systems. And then he was employed by Christensen Lumber.
Jere had been involved in Bible studies, and he was active with Habitat for Humanity.
On September 27, 1980, he was married in Lincoln to Darlene Barta.
Survivors: wife - Darlene
2 daughters - Chelsea Smith of Grand Island
Theresa and husband Adam Fritz of Utica
mother - Marlene Smith of Lincoln
sister - Beth and Randy Bishop of Highlands Ranch, Colorado
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph.
A memorial service will be 2 PM Wednesday (April 2nd) in the Berean Bible Church with the Rev. Steve Watson officiating. There is no public visitation; however friends may sign the register at the Ludvigsen Mortuary on Tuesday from 9 to 5 PM. Memorials are suggested to Habitat for Humanity.
Condolences(38)
Greg Kebbekus
Yuma, AZ Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jere's family and friends. Reading through a few of the very may tribute to Jere you get a sense of the man he was. Jere was my co-worker at SCS for 6 years, when I needed something Jere was always there. No matter how busy or how far behind he was he always made time to fix my problems. Smart, diligent, hard working, always personable, the list goes on. We will all miss Jere in varied ways, one can only imagine the loss his family is going through. Our deepest sympathies. GregSteve Woods
Decatur, IL Saturday, April 5, 2008 Jere was truly a joy to work with, and always brightened my day. I am a better person for having known him. My sincere and deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family.Brenda Weinandt
Fremont, NE Thursday, April 3, 2008 Jere touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His passing breaks the hearts of many who knew him as a kind, gentle, sincere, honest and caring person. He was devoted to his work, family and faith. The news comes to us with much disbelief and confusion, but as we all know, things happen for a reason. This reason is not for us to determine. My thoughts and prayers go out to Darlene, the girls and his family. I have many fond memories of Jere that bring a smile and laughter to my heart: his office filled with CD's, a business trip to KC, many talks about his girls and how proud he was of them and his dry humor that always made me laugh. Hold close the many memories and let God's peace help you through this difficult time. My deepest sympathy... Brenda WeinandtBecky Heinrich
Omaha, NE Thursday, April 3, 2008 I'm an old friend of Theresa's from high school. I was so surprised and incredibly sad to hear of Jere's death. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family! Sincerely Becky HeinrichArt Lindberg
Schuyler, Ne Thursday, April 3, 2008 Our family was deeply saddened with the news of Jere's passing. As a friend and former co-worker I have always respected Jere as a person and as a professional in his field of work. Jere will always be remembered as a kind, family orientated man who people enjoyed being around. Our deepest condolences go out the the family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Art & Tami Lindberg & FamilyMike Anderson
Hooper, NE Wednesday, April 2, 2008 I had only known Jere for a short time, but I know he was a good man. During the service Pastor Watson talked about first impressions. How right he is. The first time I met Jere he seemed like such a good guy. Had a smile on his face and he introduced himself to me. Should have been the other way around. Here he was, the new guy, introducing himself to someone he didn't even know. That show what kind of a man he was. I worked with Jere on a few projects and he was always helpful and answered all my questions. He will be truly missed by you and your family and by myself and others at work. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.Cheri Barta
Vancouver, BC Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Jere was always a kind and gentle Uncle...one that I will remember with much love and fondness. All my thoughts and prayers are with Jere's immediate and extended family during this difficult time.John LaMar
Fremont, Ne Wednesday, April 2, 2008 I grew as a person because of having known Jere Smith. He made a positive impact on my life in many ways and I am glad to have known him. My deepest sympathies go out to Darlene, Chelsea and Theresa.Jerry & Patti Delaney
Fremont, NE Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Our daughter Kristin played with both Theresa and Chelsea when they lived across the street from us on 9th Street. Both girls were always respectful and had a smile on their faces continuously. This shows that both Jere and Darlene did a great job at raising them. Jere was a very gentle & caring man, He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Billie Rae Smith
Haikou, Hainan Island, China, Wednesday, April 2, 2008 My daughter Ginger just phoned me with the news about Jere. My heart is so very heavy for all of you. Only by God's strength and power can we endure such a loss. May His Holy Spirit fill you with peace and hope during this painful time, and especially comfort you in the days and months ahead. For we know without a shadow of a doubt that "God IS our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble." Ps 46:1 (this was one of Grandma Smith's favorite verses) Grace and peace to you now and always, dear friends, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Sonya Buskirk
Hemingford, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Darlene, So many years pass and days go by, but our lives continue in their normal fashion, until suddenly our whole wolrd stops. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family throughout this most difficult time, so sorry to hear about Jere. Hold each memory close and precious until you can again feel comfort, the pain starts to ease, and you can again smile and continue forward. Grasp the love and prayers of those surrounding to get through the upcoming days. Love and prayers to you always, Dean & Sonya BuskirkChris & Nichole Porter
, Tuesday, April 1, 2008Harvey and Debbie Bunn
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I worked with Jere for several years at SCS in Fremont. He was truly one of the nicest men that I have ever worked with. Our sympathy goes out to his wife and family in this time of loss, he will be missed.Ginger Urso
College Station, TX Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Darlene & family - I am Lynn Smith's daughter. We were at his house this past weekend when Aunt Iryle called to share the news of Jere's death. Our hearts are broken for you - please know you and your girls are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Although I haven't seen you since back in the days when my grandparents (Ivan & Alta Smith) took me to family reunions (20+ years ago??), I'm still saddened by your loss. In reading the previous guest entries, it must be comforting to know that so many people thought so highly of him. He is surely at peace in heaven today. God's grace will sustain you and carry you through this dark time - hour by hour and day by day. Wishing you peace and comfort today and always - Paul & Ginger (Smith) Urso College Station, TexasCarrie (Ferguson) Rehder
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I was so surprised and saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad, Theresa. He was always such a kind & gentle man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. love- carriePat Sorensen
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I worked with Jere at SCS for nearly 4 years. Jere was a very dedicated and hard working employee. He was a very kind, caring person to all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your loss through God's love.Ryan Sindelar
Fremont, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I remember when Jere and Darlene were my Youth Club Bibly Study instructors. They both were exceptional teachers. Their kindness and dedication were an inspiration to us all. I remember Jere as being extremely helpful, kind, and understanding. He was always very patient and I could tell that he truly cared. His and Darlene's pleasant and positive attitudes towards the youth had a profound impact on many lives. Throughout thier generosity and devotion, they helped me to become a better person. You all have my deepest sympathy for your loss.Andrea Hanna
Helena, MT Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I have few memories of Jere, as I knew him through Chelsea, from when we were in junior high and high school. The memories I do have, though, are fond. They are memories of a father who loved his daughters, his family, very much. He was one of the kindest people I'd ever met in my life. I know he will be missed. Chelsea, Theresa, and Darlene - my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Andreadiane benshoof
plattsmouth, Tuesday, April 1, 2008 my thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls, such a gentle soul he was. may your faith support you, and the love of your family and friends carry you through this trying time,Duane & Connie Helmink
Li ncoln, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Our hearts go out to you all in this time of sorrow. We're praying that God will hold you close and comfort you today and always. Gere was a kind and thoughtful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. God is our strength and fortress. In Him will we trust. Duane & ConnieShane & Pam Weitzenkamp
Granger, IA Wednesday, April 2, 2008 I was very saddened to hear of Jere's passing. As a co-worker for many years it was always a pleasure to work with Jere. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Jessica Tok
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I knew Jere as Theresa and Chelsea's father. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your mother during this time. In deepest sympathy for the family - JessicaWendy Connealy
Omaha, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Jere very well, but he was always a warm and kind person. I am just thinking about you all the time. Please let me know if you need anything. Love, WendyRita McAllister
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. We are keeping all of you in our prayers.Todd M. Roth
Lincoln, Ne Tuesday, April 1, 2008 My thoughts and prayers to Jere's family. You have all my sympathy in this time of great loss.Chad Dill
Waterloo, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008 My thought's and prayers to family and friends.Tony Riecken
Arlington, NE Tuesday, April 1, 2008Sheila King
Hemingford, NE Monday, March 31, 2008 Darlene, and Girls, We were so sorry to hear of Jere's passing. Although we only met briefly a long while ago I am sure he will be missed my many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Wes, Amy, Charlotte, & Calvin Parker
Avoca, IA Monday, March 31, 2008Don L. Pahl
Omaha, NE Monday, March 31, 2008 Our paths have crossed only a few times since we grew up together in Creighton. "Growing up" with Jere and Ed meant doing the crazy things young guys do in high school but it also meant "growing up" in Christ together. John Donne was right: "No man is an island entire of itself." Jere's passing is our deeply felt loss. Jere helped to shape my life ... I wish I could have returned the favor more. My heartfelt sympathies to you, Darlene, and your family; to you, Marlene; and to you, Beth. Psalm 116:15 Don PahlDave
Granbury, Te Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I work at Truswal and worked with Jere through a long distance work relationship. I have had the privilede of knowing and working with him for 18 years. His kindness and knowledge was more than evident over the phone. Jere will be greatly missed. My heart and preyers go out to Jere's family and loved ones.JP Vaughan
Omaha, NE Monday, March 31, 2008 I knew Jere through Theresa and Chelsea when growing up in Fremont; friends of mine worked with him at Structural Component Systems. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.CORY,TANYA & CARIS LYNCH
FREMONT, NE Monday, March 31, 2008 WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF JERE-YOUR FAMILY IS IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS LOVE THE LYNCHSTeresa Lukacik
Roland, IA Monday, March 31, 2008 My deepest sympathy is with you. May God guide you in this time of sorrow and help you get the peace that you need. Jere will be with you always in memory and those are what you need to cherish until you meet again.Brad Church
Des Moines, IA Monday, March 31, 2008 I was very sorry to hear of Jere's passing. He was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him very much. I worked at SCS out of the Des Moines office for 6 years before leaving for another job nearly 2 years ago. Jere was always a pleasure to talk to at meetings and on the phone in Fremont, and was always a person you could count on when you needed assistance with something. You are all in my prayers and have my deepest sympathy. Jere will be missed by all who knew him...........Brad ChurchSandi Frauen
Omaha, NE Monday, March 31, 2008 Dear Darlene, Chelsea and Theresa I am so sorry to hear about Jere's death. What a great man and husband. I have lost touch with many from the Presbyterian Church. You were great friends and spiritual mentors. May God be with you in the days to come. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sandi FrauenJulie Sheridan
Fremont, Ne Monday, March 31, 2008 Jere was a wonderful, kind man. Always there to lend a hand and help when needed.He was devoted to his family and his church..I enjoyed working with him in Youth Club and Sr.High Fellowship..I attended Mission trips with him and always admired his calm nature and pleasant disposition. My heart and prayers go out to Darlene, the girls and other family members..May your faith help you through this difficult time..My sincerest sympathy..Julie SheridanKelli Zieg
Omaha, NE Monday, March 31, 2008 I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.