Jerry Dean Lahnert

Jerry Dean Lahnert was born September 18, 1946 in Greeley, Colorado to Henry & Emma (Brunner) Lahnert. His only brother, Dale, was born a few years later on February 6, 1953. 

Jerry attended elementary school in Severance until 7th grade, and then moved on to Windsor High School where he graduated in 1965.  After high school, Jerry attended Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business in 1969. During this period, Jerry also completed Army Reservist training between his junior and senior years. 

In 1970, Jerry, his parents, and his brother purchased a farm Southwest of Amherst, CO and relocated there.  Jerry and his family quickly immersed themselves in their new venture, producing sugar beets, corn, wheat, and beans.  In 1990, Jerry married Vera Ann Draper and moved to Holyoke while his family remained on the farm.  Jerry continued farming until his retirement in 2015.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Vera Ann, in 2012.  Jerry was also preceded by his parents Henry and Emma, his brother Dale in 2005, as well as his son Mick in 1988.

Jerry is survived by his children Becky Johnson (Howard McCormick) of Sedgwick, CO, son Karlan Draper (Andi Ness) of Billings, MT, and daughter Christy Kage (Toby Austin) of Imperial, NE.  Jerry's grandchildren include Kort Johnson (Rena) of Crook, CO, Weston Johnson (Aaron Moore) of Loveland, CO, and Shayln Johnson of Sterling, CO; Cole Draper of San Diego, CA, Grant Draper of Davis, CA, and Audrey Draper of Guerneville, CA; Spencer Kotch (Crystal Oakley) of Holyoke, CO, and Dylan Kotch (Taneesha Huffman) of Severance, CO.  Jerry is survived by two great-grandchildren, Steele and Ember Johnson of Crook, CO.  Additionally, one cousin, Randy Moore (Mary) of Loveland, CO and long-time caregivers and friends Rose Gertner and Peggy Brown as well as many long-time friends and neighbors in both the Holyoke and Amherst communities.  

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