Jerry Nowack

Jerry Livingston Nowack, passed away on March 16, 2023 at the age of 81 in Ivins, Utah due to natural causes.

Jerry was born September 20, 1941 in Los Angeles, California to Gertrude Requa Barber and Leslie Jackson Nowack. Jerry was the oldest of 3 children.

Jerry met his wife, Geraldine Jensen, on a blind date set up by Jerry’s mother. They were married on Oct 21, 1967 in Tarzana, CA. They were later sealed in the Los Angeles, CA Temple on March 2, 1971. Jerry was working as a manager for a retail sporting goods store. Geraldine was a nurse. Jerry and Geraldine were married for 50 years, when Geraldine passed away in January 2018.

Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard in Burbank, CA in 1964. He was activated for the Vietnam conflict on May 13, 1968. In 1969, Staff Sargent Jerry was levied to the 101st airborne/501st infantry air mobile as an individual replacement for 1 year. He was highly decorated for his service in Vietnam.

-Bronze Star medal with V x2: June 7th, 1969 for his heroism in a ground combat against a hostile force. He subjected himself to heavy fire after he saw one of his men wounded. He was able to provide life-saving aid and transport his man to safety.

-Air Medal x3

-Purple heart medal x2

-Blue Rifle: Combat Infantry Badge

Jerry is survived by his 4 children, John Nowack, Janis Peterson (Eric), Jennifer Adams (Charles Brandin), Jolene Stewart (Scott), AND 4 grandchildren: Savannah Rasmussen (Hunter), Brendon Kelsey, Avery Peterson, and Logan Adams.  Jerry had a love for his children and grandchildren that was unmeasurable.

Jerry was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in a variety of positions. A few of the most memorable callings were his Bishopric Counselor position and his position working with The Boy Scouts of America as a mentor and getting them ready for their camping adventures.

Jerry spent all 81 years of his life being known as Jerry-rigg. He could fix almost anything with duct tape, baling wire, drywall screws, and a chainsaw. Jerry had a long-running tradition of falling off ladders and roofs well into his late 70’s. He had a love for fishing that put him in his happy place, even if he was putting fishing poles together the whole time, and did earn the nickname Scoop. Jerry was also a prankster. One of the pranks that goes down in history is when he decided to climb up the ladder to the 2nd story master bedroom window with the water hose and spray our mom.

Jerry always led by example. He never argued in front of his kids and always had a listening ear if his kids needed to talk. He always held Monday night family home evening activities and made sure our family was always together. Jerry loved ice cream and thought it should be for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.  He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and worked with other Vets to help them through their own feelings. He made sure that every time he left the house, he had his Veteran hat on so that if he were ever pulled over to get a ticket, he could get out of it. It worked more than a handful of times.

Jerry had a heart of gold. He loved his wife, he loved his children, he loved his grandchildren, he was honest, he was spiritual, he worked hard, he helped others, he was generous, he made people laugh, he saw the best in people, he was unselfish, he was quick to forgive, and you could always count on him.

Jerry will be greatly missed, but NEVER forgotten.

The Family would like to thank everyone for their support; All of his doctors, The Veteran Association, McMillan Mortuary, and everyone that loved him.  It is apparent that he holds a special place in everyone’s heart.

Graveside Services will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 4:30pm at Tonaquint Cemetery 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah 84770

Please bring your favorite lawn chair if you would like to sit.  Otherwise, it will be a standing service.

Condolences may be shared at mcmillanmortuary.com