Obituary of Gary Lee Jebsen

Gary Lee Jebsen passed in peace on May 4th, 2020 at his home in Parker, Colorado at the age of 70. 

Wonderful husband, father, grandfather and beloved BS-er to all who knew and loved him.  He will be incredibly missed and cherished.   

Son of Vernon and Elizabeth (McGonegle) born on February 27, 1950, he was raised on their family dairy farm in Delmar, Iowa.    

Graduated from Delwood High School (Delmar, Iowa) and Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa) with a Bachelor’s degree in business.  Married to Cheryl (Hudlik) they just celebrated 37 years of marriage.  He was the proud father of two daughters, Kelly (36) and Stephanie (34) and retired from Firestone as a Store Manager after 33 years.  

Known by many nicknames: Pete (high school), Jebby and G-Man; he enjoyed playing golf, home projects, building + woodworking, skiing, volleyball and softball, ‘billy rides’, tractors + antiques, hunting + sport clay shooting, play cards- specifically Euchre, spending time with family, camping, fishing, pig roasts and happy hour with neighbors.   

In retirement, Gary joined the Old Goats organization and loved to partake in the comradery of preservation of the Rocky Mountain Goats and several philanthropic efforts.    

Always beverage in hand whether it was milk with ice in it (in his younger years), raspberry tea, captain + coke or an Arnold Palmer, Gary loved to share memories, experiences and his extensive knowledge on all subjects.  

“Papa” as he was known to his grandchildren, loved to show them all there was to offer on the small acreage “farm”, including rides on his ‘Billy’ Golf Cart touring the neighborhood. 

He and his chocolate lab, Takota, entered Heaven on the same day and are surely sitting in a rocking chair, beverage in hand and smiling down on us.  

Survived by his wife, Cheryl (Hudlik), two daughters Kelly (Dave) Misuraca + Stephanie (Nate) Salazar.  Grandchildren: Jackson (4), Isla (3) + Colton (3 mths).  Brother Steve (Cathie) Jebsen and sister Patricia (Wayne) Petersen.   

A private visitation is scheduled on May 11th, 2020 at Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services in Parker.  There will be a digital service that the family will share.  Once we can all gather, they also plan to host a Celebration of Life complete with Arnold Palmers, Margaritas and Pig Roast at a later date.  The family also plans to create an annual charity golf tournament in his memory.    

Memorial:

If you would like to contribute to a memorial or memento to honor Gary’s life; the family is requesting support of the following organizations.  

Plants from Forage [https://forageplants.com/collections/denver] – a local small business close to the family

A memorial can be donated in Gary’s name to:

Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp [www.rainbowtrail.org]- where his girls attended summer camp and he volunteered countless hours.  

Cory Selby Foundation [https://www.gofundme.com/f/cory-selby-10-challenge]- a foundation created in memory of Gary’s nephew, Cory Selby (15) 

Rocky Mountain Old Goats- Bayou Billies Herd- send donations to the Jebsen Family.  

 

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