Submit a PhotoJerry Mayer was born December 2, 1944, and reached his final destination in heaven on January 9, 2022, at 77 years of age.
Remembering Jerry: Joanne, his girl of 55 years, his daughter’s Denise Dunnett-Kirby, Debbie (Jason) Altrogge, Dawn (Blaine) Anderson, and Darla (Larry) Whitmyer; along with being Bumpa to 8 grandkids, Kyle (Christa) Dunnett, Jacob (Paige) Altrogge, Megan (Josh) Montemayor, Jarrod (Michelle Violette) Altrogge, Jerry Whitmyer, Morgan Kirby, Brooke Watt, and Kimber Whitmyer; and 2 great-grandkids, Joanne and Madison Dunnett, who were all loved very much. Everything he did was for his family.
Jerry also loved his church families. Leading Bible studies and Sunday School classes filled his calendar, and his purpose. The relationships he made teaching God’s Word were real and very special to him. He often spoke of leading Sunday School, his breakfast’s with the guys, and the Thursday afternoon Bible study’s as times he looked forward to and needed. Those friendships were deep and fun for him. Jerry was always reading, always learning, and always in his Bible. He wanted to know and share as much as he could, and did!
Jerry filled many boots while he was here. He was a business owner, a camp recruiter then manager, a pastor, a mentor, and a handyman. Through all the titles and moves, his wife and best friend Joanne worked right beside him. Their adventures took them from Montana to Wisconsin, then Illinois to Washington, then Wyoming and back to Montana. They just landed in Arizona 6 months ago.
Jerry would want you to know that he is in heaven. He never doubted that Jesus loved him, sacrificed his life for him, and made the way for him to be with his Creator and Savior. If you don’t have that same certainty, please reach out to Jerry’s family or someone near you who knows Jesus.
We will have a Time of Remembering at Emmanuel Baptist Church (328 S Shiloh Rd; Billings, MT 59106) on February 5th at 11am. Lunch will be served and we ask that you bring a story to share with the room and/or family.
Any donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to The Gideons at: https://www.gideons.org/donate;
or call 1-866-382-4253;
or send to:
The Gideons International Processing Center
P.O. Box 97251
Washington, DC 20090-7251
To live is Christ. To die is gain. And Jerry had so much to gain.
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We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Knowing he is with Jesus is a reason for some comfort. We know all too well the pain associated with the loss and separation. Know that you and your family are in our prayers. Love and hugs from the Miller clan in MT.
I was so saddened when Tina told me this news! We know Jerry has won his prize and now resides in the midst of all the glories of Heaven, but in the meantime I am praying God’s love comfort to hold you close, dear Joanne, and to all your family members! (Your former Billings neighbor, Arlyce LaRoche)
I have so much respect for this man. His love of family, love of god and genuine personality towards everyone that knew him was unmatched. Jerry has been in my life for 21 years and in that time I have grown to know him, understand him. The first time I met him I was terrified. He spoke with a powerful voice that only a pastor could have but once I got to know him he was so kind hearted and would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. I had the opportunity to work side by side with him and that was no easy task. He could literally do anything. His knowledge of how things worked and how they went together is something that takes years to master and he was just that a master at his craft… all of them. When he moved to AZ in July I was excited to not be the only male in the house as well as excited to learn more as he finished the little things around his home. Thank he last job we did together was build a bridge. A bridge is very symbolic of his life if you knew him. It represents his relationships with family, friends, strangers, and knowledge. You will always be my favorite Father-in-law and will be missed
…larry
My heart goes out to his family. May he rest easy and may we never forget him.
He was the worlds greatest grandpa or as us grandkids loved to call him bumpa. He was an important role model in My life and I’m very thankful for him. Loved watching movies with him in his chair and any time I would ask how he was he would always say I’m as happy as a bug in a rug. Anytime he would say that it would make me smile. He was the one who baptized me on July 11th,2015. My bumpa will be missed dearly. I love you bumpa.
When you moved we talked about how much we missed your funny comments as you were driving away past us. You always put smiles on our faces and often times make us laugh. We had a few storms and I missed standing on the porch waving at each other as the storm passed thru. Kinzley reminded me the other day about ants in her pants which was a comment you made to her one day. You are so loved and truly missed.
You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Our hearts go out to the entire family. Especially Joanne.
We know you are at peace and we will see you again.
Love ❤ you
It is always a time of sadness and joy when a Saint goes home to be with his Lord.
I have many fond memories of working with Jerry and the family at Phantom Ranch Bible Camp. He taught me to work hard and to not shirk back from any task. Jerry was instrumental in helping Phantom Ranch level up, so to speak, in our professionalism, quality of service, and dedication to the needs of our many campers and groups each year.
Many thousands of children and adults heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, learned His word and drew closer to God because of the time Jerry and the rest of the Mayer family spent at Phantom Ranch.
Your friends at Phantom Ranch,
Olen and Amy Johnsen
What memories Larry and I have of you and your family. What a comfort to know that Jerry is home with Jesus and is waiting for a grand Phantom Ranch reunion. We remember the time all of the Camping Partners went to your camp and it rained and Tanners trailer was sliding down the embankment and Jerry and to pull our campers out of the mud. We brought our rabbit Thumper down to live in your petting barn. We also remember how much work and love you put into camp. Thanks for letting us know and we will be asking the Father to bring you peace and remind you of the hope we have in what Jesus did for us.
Larry and Virjean Beach
Jerry was such a special person to me. He was always there when I needed him. My Faith grew so much during our last few years and Jerry and Joanne were always there when I questioned life in general. Jerry helped me through several family challenges. I will never forget him baptizing me . Not only was Jerry a pastor to me he was my special cousin. My Condolences to the rest of the family