Jerry D. Lacey

Jerry David Lacey



The man. The myth. The legend. Jerry (Tuff) David Lacey, 43, of Kenesaw, NE died unexpectedly at his home on April 24, 2021.



Born in Grand Island, NE on June 24, 1977, Jerry was the second son of Nolan Edward Lacey, Jr. and Carol Fay (Luhn) Lacey. He and his older brother Jeff were best friends who were always out on adventures together with their friends and family.



Jerry went to elementary and high school in Shelton, NE. At 13, he started helping Gary (Pa) and Angi (Ma) Muller on their farm north of town. It was there where he learned many of the lessons--usually the hard way--that would guide him through his life.



Back in those days, when Jerry wasn’t working with Pa you might find him starching his shirts or shining his Bronco and belt buckle for a night out on the town. But he was just as likely, to be giving Ma a hard time at the house and pulling shenanigans with his friends or step-siblings.



After high school, Jerry attended WyoTech where he graduated with a degree in auto-body collision. Jerry would go on to hold many positions in the automotive and sporting industry. Most recently, he worked as a sales rep for Arnold Value Parts in Kearney, NE.



In 2003 Jerry’s son, Gunnar, was born. There’s no doubt that Gunnar was his number one pride and joy. Jerry loved being a dad and raising his son was his greatest accomplishment. Jerry did all he could to share the best parts of himself with Gunnar, teaching him to be a strong and kind young man.



As avid outdoorsmen, you would often find Jerry and Gunnar practicing their aim or tinkering around in the garage. Together they shared a love for boxing, hunting, trap, cars, racing, and more.



Throughout his life, Jerry built a strong network of friends and family. He never met a stranger or turned anyone down when they needed help. Jerry showed the people in his life how to love hard and have a good time. His legacy will live on--and just like in the stories he told--it will get bigger and better with time.



Jerry is survived by his son, Gunnar Lacey of Kenesaw; brother, Jeff Lacey of Adams; step-parents Gary and Angi Muller of Shelton; his step-sisters Ashlee (Kyle) Swanson of Malcolm; Shelby Wilson (Tony Franco) of Gretna; his step-brother Nickolus Muller of Wood River, his nephews Beau Wilson and Sawyer Swanson, and his niece Adelyn Swanson. And many aunts, uncles, and cousins.



Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, grandmother Georgia Lacey, and other family including his uncle Lee Lacey, aunt Nellie Lacey, and uncle Larry Lacey.



Services will be held Thursday, April 29 in the Shelton Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Wood River Legion.



In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a memorial fund which will be established for his son Gunnar.