Gerald "Jerry" Weakland

Gerald “Jerry” W. Weakland, 64, of Aurora, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, at Grand Island Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his children and family.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at All Faiths Funeral Home. A gathering of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the service. Dan Naranjo will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to All Faiths Funeral Home.
Jerry was born on May 29, 1961, in Grand Island, the son of Norman and Jeannette (Vogel) Weakland. He graduated from Northwest High School in 1979 and later attended Central Community College in the welding program. Jerry spent most of his life in the Grand Island and Phillips areas.
Jerry was first married to Shellie Smith, and they were blessed with a son, Tyler.
On December 4, 1992, Jerry married Mia Vredeveld. They were blessed with a son, Kelby, and a daughter, Kelsey. They made their home near Phillips before later moving to Aurora.
Jerry began farming near Phillips, where he operated his own custom haying business. A cowboy at heart, he trained horses for many years and was always willing to lend a hand to area farmers. He also drove semi-truck for Bosselman’s and, in recent years, worked in the maintenance department at the Aurora Hospital.
Jerry enjoyed hunting deer, ducks, and pheasants with his beloved black labs. He was active in slow-pitch softball and loved watching his children participate in sports. A skilled welder, Jerry could fix nearly any engine. He enjoyed Husker football and baseball, as well as classic western movies. Jerry won the State of Nebraska straight truck driving competition and went on to compete nationally in Florida, where he placed. He could often be found at the Bunkhouse Lounge playing pool or cards. Jerry’s love, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply cherished by his family and friends.
Jerry is survived by his children, Tyler (Carolyn) Weakland, Kelby Weakland, and Kelsey Weakland; brothers, Jim (Kaye) Weakland and John (Janet) Weakland; sisters, Julie (Steve) Brooke and Jennifer (Butch) Evans; granddaughters, Elsie Weakland and one on the way; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mia; his niece, Katie Weakland; and his father- and mother-in-law, John “Dutch” and Ann Vredeveld.