Watch Jerry's Tribute Video Here

Funeral Services for Jerry Johnston, age 72, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am Monday, February 28, 2022 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill with Rev. Paul Harder officiating. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5 pm Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 5 pm prayer service. Jerry passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Jerry Foy Johnston was born on March 17, 1949 to Wesley and Pearle (Rosenberry) Johnston in Osceola, NE. In 1975, Jerry was born again when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Jerry was married to Margaret Storjohann and to this union, one daughter, Mistina Marie, was born. They later divorced.

On November 21, 1976, Jerry and Gwendolyn Liester were united in marriage. To this union, two daughters were born, Sarah Louise and Jennifer Faith.

Since childhood, Jerry had a love for God's creation. His fondness of pigeons as a kid returned as an adult where for many years, he was a member of the Racing Club of America.

Jerry was a true outdoorsman. No matter what season it was, you would find him wherever the fish were biting, up in a tree stand, or crouched in a blind calling in ducks or geese. Both Jerry and Gwen enjoyed many years attending rendezvous as members of the Upper Missouri Valley Muzzleloaders.

Never to stay still for very long, Jerry began hanging out with his brothers every Wednesday night learning new skills. They started out making various leather products for black powder gear. Next, they made knives of all sizes, shapes, and colored handles. Recently, Jerry found delight in rockhounding: gathering rocks wherever he walked, polishing them, and turning them into jewelry.

Jerry was semi-retired after 25 years of service and friendship with Bob and Cathy Kunz at Stuart Furniture. Bob, with only having sisters, always referred to Jerry as the brother he never had.

Jerry loved and was very proud of his family which he leaves to rejoice and grieve. Jerry, a one-of-a-kind guy with the Johnston gift of gab, will be sorely missed.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gwen Johnston of O'Neill; three daughters, Mistina (Yoon) Wong of Omaha, NE, Sarah (William) Ellis of Moncks Corner, SC, Jennifer (Colonel Jesse) Friedel of Misawa AFB, Japan; half daughter, Amy Evans Pelowski of Lincoln, NE; beloved grandchildren, Kaitlan Wong, Samantha Wong, Emmalee Wong, Kemuel Ellis, Phebe Ellis, Joslyn Friedel, Jacquelyn Friedel, and Allison Pelowski; two brothers, Quentin Johnston of O'Neill, Jim (Lee) Johnston of O'Neill; one sister, Twila (Clayton) Strong of Anthony, KS; one brother-in-law, Robert Tooker of Norfolk, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rebecca 'Becky' Tooker; sister-in-law, Nancy Johnston; a niece, Daphne Strong; and a nephew, Jared Strong.