Gerald (Jerry) Roderick Thuente, Jr, resident of Laramie, WY, passed away on Monday July 26, 2021 at home after a very short bout with COVID. A celebration of life BBQ will be held from 1-3m p.m. on August 14th at Washington Park. A private family service to scatter cremains will occur at a later date.
Jerry, son of Gerald Thuente and Ruth Spear Thuente, was born on November 21, 1963 in Algona, IA where he joined three sisters to complete the family. He attended Algona High school and graduated in 1982 and was active in football and wrestling, making the all conference football squad playing both offense and defense. After high school, Jerry attended Iowa Lakes Community College where he played on the defense for the Lakers. His time spent playing football and wrestling would go on to be some of his favorite memories that he often reminisced about with his children. He later attended the University of Wyoming.
He was united in marriage to Betsy Nauman Cook on July 1, 2002. Together, they had a daughter, Elsa Ann Thuente. Jerry also became a father to a stepdaughter, Kaleigh Nauman, and to two stepsons, Thaxton Cook and Rhett Cook. All of whom he loved dearly and took in as his own.
Outdoors was the favorite setting for Jerry’s careers. In Algona, he was well known at the Algona swimming pool as a swim instructor, swim team coach, lifeguard, and pool manager. In Wyoming he worked a variety of jobs at Snowy Range Ski Area, ultimately becoming general manager. During his tenure, he was the recipient of several National Ski Patrol Merit Star Awards. His final career was with the Wyoming DOT where over time he was on the painting crew, maintenance crew, and manned a snow plow on I-80.
Jerry enjoyed cooking on his smoker, cooking some of the most delicious creations that his friends and family relished. He also enjoyed traveling to watch his daughter compete in swim meets and volleyball games. He was looking forward to seeing his daughter start her new life as a college student.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Elsa Thuente of Steamboat Springs, CO; stepdaughter, Kaleigh Nauman of Washington, D.C. stepsons, Thaxton Cook of Laramie, WY and Rhett (Virginia) Cook of Laramie, WY; three sisters, Kimberly Thuente of Urbandale, IA, Jo Duben of Des Moines, IA, and Lynn Thuente of St. Joseph, MO; and former wife, Betsy Nauman Cook of Steamboat Springs, CO. Jerry also leaves behind a niece, close cousins, and friends.
Memorials can be made to Elsa’s college fund. Condolences can be sent to [email protected].
I worked with him very good man will be missed
My heart is heavy at the news of the loss of my life long friend. So many memories of childhood, of school days, and so much fellowship throughout the years. I do have some regret for not staying in touch as closely as I should have in the last several years, as life has a way of reminding us how fleeting the moments to cherish can leave us. My condolences to the entire family left behind, for the loss of their father, their brother, and their dearly loved one. There is some solace in knowing that Jerry has a wonderful welcoming committee waiting for him on the other side. That does not diminish the loss we all feel at his passing, but there is some comfort in knowing he is at peace in the hands of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and that Jerry knows the joy we are promised in the Great Unknown. I loved you as my brother Jerry, and I count the days until we meet again on the other side.
I am so very sorry to hear this news. Jerry was a great person and I had fun working with Gene and Jerry at the Snowy Range Ski Area when I was a teenager. My prayers are with all of his family and friends.
Elsa and family please accept my condolences for your loss. I met Jerry as small kids as we both swam on the Algona swim team for many years. In college we squared off against each other as I played for NIACC. My most memorable game as it snowed a foot before the game and another 4-5” during. It was every kids dream as it was like a Vikings game in the 60s. May you cherish his memories.