Jerry Johnston

Jerry Foy Johnston, 72, of O'Neill, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 at Faith Community Church in O'Neill. Rev. Paul Harder officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill. 

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Jerry was born on March 17, 1949 to Wesley and Pearle (Rosenberry) Johnston in Osceola. 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 Nov. 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, Sarah (William) Ellis of Moncks Corner, SC and Jennifer (Col. Jesse) Friedel of Misawa AFB, Japan; one half-daughter Amy Evans Pelowski of Lincoln; eight beloved grandchildren Kaitlan Wong, Samantha Wong, Emmalee Wong, Kemuel Ellis, Phebe Ellis, Joslyn Friedel, Jacquelyn Friedel and Allison Pelowski; two brothers Quentin Johnston and Jim (Lee) Johnston, all of O'Neill; one sister Twila (Clayton) Strong of Anthony, KS; one brother-in-law Robert Tooker of Norfolk; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Rebecca "Becky" Tooker, one sister-in-law Nancy Johnston, one niece Daphne Strong and one nephew Jared Strong.