Gerald True

Hastings resident, Gerald "Jerry" Leonard True, 85, entered into rest Friday, January 4, 2013 at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Rosary will be Wednesday, January 9, 2013; 1:45 P.M. with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2:00 P.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Hastings, Nebraska with Father Joseph M. Walsh officiating. Burial with military rites by Hastings Veterans Organizations will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 8, 2013; 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. with family receiving guests from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Butler Volland Funeral Home, and one hour prior to service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.

Mr. True was born February 21, 1927 in Arcadia, Nebraska to the late Leonard A. and Nellie N. (Hill) True. He grew up and attended school in Arcadia. He served in the United States Navy as a Third Class Seaman as a Ship Fitter, during World War II from January 16, 1945 - July 20, 1946. On December 21, 1946 he married his lifetime love, the late Georgene Grace (Janulewicz) True. Their union lasted 59 years until Mrs. True passed away in 2005. They made their homes in Loup City and Grand Island before settling in Hastings where they raised their five children. He had a 34 year career as a Lead Lineman with Southern Nebraska Public Power District. Mr. True had a passion for music and was a gifted saxophone player. Beginning at age twelve he played in several bands throughout his lifetime, including his own, Jerrys' Swing Kings. After developing cancer which required removal of his voice box, he taught himself to play the drums in order to continue playing music. He missed his beloved saxophone and became determined to play again. He did, with the aid of an air compressor. He ended his music career with the Paul Kothe Orchestra after over 35 years, although continuing to play his keyboard from his room at Good Samaritan Village so others could enjoy his music. He was a lifetime member of the Hastings V.F.W. and served as Post Commander in 1968, a Golden Eagle Member of the Eagles Club # 592 in Hastings and a member of St. Cecelia's Catholic Church. A warm heartfelt thank you is extended to all nurses and staff at Good Samaritan Village, Dr. Paul Wibbels and staff at Hastings Internal Medicine, Mary Lanning Hospital nurses and staff, Mary Lanning Hospice nurses, and to the many "fans" of his music, including a special thank you to the Paul Kothe Orchestra for sharing the love of music and to all that helped along the way of life.

Mr. True was preceded in death by his wife, the late Georgene (Janulewicz) True; parents, Leonard and Nellie (Hill) True; brother, Ronald True; brother-in-law, Stan Grella; sister-in-law, Mildred (Janulewicz) Peterson; son-in-law, Jerry Codner; and great-grandson, Tony Watson.

Survivors include:
Children: Connie (Rueben) Hock - Harvard, NE
Diane (Don) Kahler - Hastings, NE
Marilyn (Ken) Shafer - Hastings, NE
Pam (Ken) Karmazin - Lawrence, NE
Robert True - Hastings, NE
Sister: Imo Jean (True) Grella - Cheyenne, WY
Sisters-in-law: Norma Janulewicz - Loup City, NE
Lucille Janulewicz - Grand Island, NE
Edith True - Gering, NE
Cousin: Reginald (Mary) True - Arcadia, NE
Grandchildren: 19
Great-Grandchildren: 37
Great-Great-Grandchildren: 5
Many friends