Jerry Allen Bartley

Jerry Allen Bartley, July 29, 1935 – December 1, 2023

Jerry Bartley was born in Nebraska, July 29, 1935 to Wayne & Helen (Benesh) Bartley. Along with his older brother Wayne, he was raised in South Omaha, a melting pot of many eastern European immigrants. His childhood memories, filled with pride and nostalgia, recalled running along the catwalks at the historic stockyards and watching the livestock trucks lining up on “L” Street. The boys were encouraged to keep busy, and there was always a neighborhood sports game to join.

Jerry attended Omaha Central HS, graduating in 1953. He was an outstanding athlete, lettering in four sports his senior year. Through academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities, he received many opportunities to become a leader, and it was here that he made many lasting friendships. He went on to attend Iowa State University and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Shortly after college, he was introduced to Yvonne Koch by mutual friends. Their first date was at Peony Park’s “Dancing under the Stars”. Their love of dancing brought them closer, and soon they were married in 1960. Jerry was employed by Procter & Gamble and accepted several promotions, which took their young family to Missouri and then Florida. While in Florida, he switched career paths and became interested in car sales. Soon after, he brought Yvonne & their three daughters to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1970, to open his own car dealership: Bartley Lincoln/Mercury/Jeep.

Jerry and Yvonne built a memorable life in the years to follow, raising their family, running a successful business, and spending many happy times with friends. Jerry also remained an avid sports fan throughout his life; bowling with Yvonne for many years, supporting the JUCO baseball tournaments, and golfing whenever he could. Of course, he was also an “armchair quarterback” for the Cornhuskers and the Broncos!

As life slowed down, he took pleasure in a phone call with an old friend or a lunch date with a buddy. His caring neighbors brought him cookies & conversation. He loved to hear what the “young people” were up to, and took pride in the lives of his daughters and grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Helen Bartley; brother, Wayne R Bartley; sister-in-law, Mardell (Bartley) Cooper; his wife of 61 years, Yvonne Bartley; and daughter Lisa Marie Bartley.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Bartley & Scott Gregory of Grand Lake, CO, and Renee & Frazier Guy of Aurora, CO; grandchildren, Steven Otero, Abel “A.J.” (Kaela) Otero, and Dominique Guy (Carlos); extended family, special nieces and nephews, dear friends, and his cherished “Northridge Family”.

Jerry passed away peacefully, with his daughters by his side. He will be laid to rest, next to Yvonne and Lisa, in a private ceremony. Those wishing to honor his memory may donate to The Central High School Foundation, www.chsfomaha.org, (402) 556-1996; or a charity of their choice.