Jerry Wetovick

(From Berryman Funeral Home)

Dr. Gerald Patrick "Jerry" Wetovick, 86, of Cozad, passed away on May 25, 2022, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Jerry was born Nov. 23, 1935, in Fullerton, to Edward and Josephine (Mahony) Wetovick. 

He graduated from Kearney High School in 1953. He attended Kearney State Teachers College from 1954-58. He then went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska Dental College in 1962. He married Patricia Jarosz on Aug. 19, 1961. They moved to Cozad in 1962 and had five children. He practiced dentistry in Cozad from 1962-2006. 

Jerry had a passion for his community and his work. He was an active member in several organizations including the school board, American Cancer Society, Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest District Dental Society, where he served as president, vice-president and secretary/treasurer. He also coached boys baseball and girls softball. 

He was active at Christ the King Parish with the Legion of Mary (president), a church trustee, a leader in Cursillo, CCD teacher for 20 years, member of Knights of Columbus, lector and Eucharistic minister. 

He enjoyed Husker football, golfing, hunting, motorcycling, boating, fishing and spending time at their Johnson Lake cabin with family. 

After his wife's death in 2007, he felt a STRONG calling from God and entered the seminary in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He was ordained into the priesthood on June 4, 2010, in Grand Island. He was an associate pastor of Holy Spirit in North Platte and Sacred Heart Parish in Sutherland. He greatly enjoyed his time as a priest until his retirement from active ministry in 2013. From there, he moved into Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living in Cozad, where he remained until his death. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Patricia. 

Jerry is survived by his children, Renee (Greg) Hueftle of Cozad, Dave (Janell) Wetovick of Eustis, Dr. Sheila (Dr. Alan) Buchele of Carl Junction, Missouri, Paula (Jeff) Mackenzie of Lincoln and Dr. Patrick (Megan) Wetovick of Cozad; his grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Woodward, Whitney (Jordan) Rathke, Madison Hueftle, Ryan (Stephanie) Wetovick, Drew (Nikki) Wetovick, Jordan Wetovick, Lauren Buchele, Anna (Zach) Snodgrass, Brooke and Sara Buchele, Macey Mackenzie, Colin (Juli) Wetovick and Ben and Nolan Wetovick; great-grandchildren, Ally and Henry Woodward, Mya and Ava Wetovick and Hadley Wetovick; his brothers, Bob and Don Wetovick; and his sister, Sharon Spencer. Memorials are suggested to Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living, Christ the King Catholic Church or the donor's choice. 

Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 1-6 p.m., with family present 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, at Berryman Funeral Home, Cozad. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at the church.