Jerry Dirk Doeden passed away peacefully on Friday September 6th after a short time in the excellent care of the TenderNest assisted living home in Billings, MT.
Jerry was born July 22, 1937 in Broadus, MT to Dirk and Helen (Wolf) Doeden and moved to Miles City later that year. Once in Miles City Jerry’s dad started his own construction business doing dragline work, dirt and gravel work, eventually going into paving. They added sister Michelle in 1949. Jerry attended CCDHS and graduated in 1955 and went onto MSU. He was there with longtime friend Dan March and after three and half years he decided to join the Navy. He went in as an officer in 1960 and soon got into flying. The flying didn’t really agree with him as he would tend to get sick -unless he was the pilot. He soon excelled and had almost 300 landings on aircraft carriers, much of which was training other pilots. He served most of his time on the carrier the Yorktown. Jerry always said he loved his time in the Navy, and the lifelong friends he made there, most notably Joe Heaston and Bud McDurmott, with which he had many laughs and adventures. Before leaving the Navy, he put his Naval pilot powers to use to persuade a beautiful young woman from southern California to marry him.
Jerry married Katherine Speth on December 11, 1965 in a Naval military ceremony in San Diego. After leaving the Navy in 1966, the two moved to Miles City and got into the family business and started a family of their own – Dirk, 1969 and Eric, 1971. Jerry expanded Doeden Construction to include concrete in 1967 and around 1970 they sold the asphalt portion to Harold Gierke and Portable Pavers. Jerry and Harold became the best of friends bringing their families close together during many outings, including boating, hunting, snowmobiling and even work. While working with Don Gunther, who started in 1978 at Doeden’s, they started Unique Concrete along with Larry Kuchynka in the early 80’s. Don and Gloria Gunther shared many good times with Jerry and Kathy in work and in play. Jerry had many other ventures in business, including the Mizpah ranch and HJJJ farms, mainly with his good friends Harold Gierke, Jimmy Gies, and Joe Heaston.
Jerry made friends wherever he went, most notably the Country Club. He loved golfing, camping, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, shooting, hunting, and bridge. His longtime bridge partner was Bob Lucas, with whom he had many heated discussions questioning each other’s strategies, which are still talked about today, but they were a force to be reckoned with. Jerry loved competing and did win at most things he tried – bowling, shooting, pool, poker, dice, bridge, golf…and life. Jerry surrounded himself with good people with whom he loved traveling and spending time with, whether it was on exotic trips for weeks or cocktails for an hour. He loved a good story and a good laugh. He will be missed by many but will be welcomed with smiles, hugs, laughter and camaraderie in Heaven.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Kathy. He is survived by his sister Michelle (Butch) Kochel, sons Dirk (Jonette) Doeden, Eric (Lori) Doeden, five grandchildren – Bridger, Hunter, Jakob, Tate, Boone and one great grandchild, Katherine.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services for Jerry and a Celebration of Life for Kathy will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Town & Country Club. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday September 12, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2019
for Jerry Doeden at Town and Country Club
S 4th Street & Eagle Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Celebration of Life
2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2019
for Kathy Doeden at Town and Country Club
S 4th Street & Eagle Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday September 12, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2019
for Jerry Doeden at Town and Country Club
S 4th Street & Eagle Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
Celebration of Life
2:00 PM
Friday September 13, 2019
for Kathy Doeden at Town and Country Club
S 4th Street & Eagle Avenue
Miles City, Montana 59301
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M J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
LaVerne Jones Hebner says
I’m so sorry. Jerry was a great classmate and neat guy. The class of ’55 is passing on.
Bobbi and Gary Askin says
What a wonderful man your Dad was. We had some great conversations and good laughs. Your Mom and Dad are now together dancing in heaven. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Richard Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss of your parents. They are happy to now be together once again. Your in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories make this difficult time easier for you. Linda and RIchard
Don Svela says
Our best friends are our old friends. Jerry is missed.
Tracy A Kiel says
Dirk and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Rita says
So sorry for your loss, he had so much to offer to this world , a very intelligent man with lots of life stories to tell. Your family will be in our prayers.
Maureen Larson says
Dirk, Erik and families,
So very sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come.
Toni Herzog Fink says
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace to you during this tough time.
Shirley rolf says
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Mike Willson says
Dirk and Eric, prayers to your families. God bless.
Teena Bollinger says
Dirk, Eric, and families!
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father! Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Connie and Ron Watts says
Our sincere sympathy!!
Garth Sleight says
To the entire Doeden family: My deepest condolences as you bid farewell to your father and grandfather (and uncle and brother). It is really hard when the second parent’s time finally comes. I certainly know how hard it was for me when I went through that situation with my own parents. All my best as you grieve in the present, savor the memories of the past, and push ahead into the future. Jerry Doeden has left you an honorable name.
Doug Diane Ellingson says
Dirk, Eric, and the families. Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
Linda Walker says
Such a nice man. Sorry for your loss.
Merry and Armando says
Dirk, Eric, and family. Our thoughts and prayer are with you in this difficult time, Your father was such a wonderful person and we will miss him dearly.
Glo Simpson says
So very sorry. Hugs to all of you.
Chris Bergman says
Eric & Dirk, Your loss is felt by anyone that had the privilege of knowing your Parents. My sincere condolences.
Dave & Lavonne Ewalt says
So sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Smith says
Jerry Was a wonderful guy he always had a smile on his face and was easy to talk to. His legacy continues through his children grandchildren. Miles City is fortunate to have such a family in our community. The Doden Family my condolences Jerry will be missed.
Damian says
Dear Dirk, Eric and family,
I have thousands of childhood memories of the two of you and of course of your mom and dad. You are all family to me; you always will be. Tonight I’ll raise a glass to your dad, and I’ll be thinking of you.
With sympathy,
Damian
K and Ginger Huckins says
We are so sorry for your loss.
Dave & Jean Wheeler says
Earth has just lost the nicest man and heaven will gain a great man. Dirk & Eric our prayers and thoughts are with you.
We have just loss a great man
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Dirk & Jonette, Eric & Lori and children:
So very sorry for the loss of your Dad & Grandpa. He & your Mom are now together again. Cherish all the great memories that will comfort & keep you in the days & years ahead.
Rebecca Kane says
I had the opportunity to share many fun times with Jerry and Kathy. They were both such kind, fun, interesting people to know, and contributed greatly to the Miles City area. As family, it is comforting to know the respect and love Jerry and Kathy held in the minds and hearts of so many.
Diane Hoffman says
So sorry to hear this. Peace and healing to you.
Thomas erickson says
To the doeden family….. you are in my prayers.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Dirk, Eric and all family:
So sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. We were neighbors, you were contemporaries of our kids, they were very long time special clients, and just all around good friends. Jerry was visionary and creative for the company. Always positive, saw the best in others, and the most orange guy in the world. A velvetini toast to him and wine for Kathy. Best wishes.
Darci Welliever says
My heart goes out to the family. Jerry was an incredible man who not only had a smile on his face but always managed to put one on everyone else’s around him as well. Many prayers of peace and comfort to all.
BART ABY says
Dirk and Eric,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. So sorry to hear the news.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Dirk, Eric and family
Sorry about your loss. Hope all the good memories will help in the days ahead
Bill Pellett says
We loved your parents, and spent many happy times with them in Miles City and also in Whitefish! Our heart-felt sympathy to you all. We will remember Kathy and Jerry! Barbara and Bill Pellett
Rob Shipley says
“Doogan” was a love name I coined years ago for Jerry. I have not a clue where this came from. Jerry Doeden is *the precise* MAIN REASON I joined the Navy when I was drafted in November, 1969.He and Bill Dunn and one of the Mathisons I believe were all NavCads, Naval Cadets. The Navy had a program that took college types not finishing with degrees and made Naval Aviators of them. Jerry was on the USS Yorktown and flew the COD, Carrier Onboard Delivery, the “mail” plane, a Navy S2 Tracker.
There are tens of thousands of Navy “tail hookers”(carrier pilots who hook arresting gear cables when landing)………….there will never be another Jerry Doeden. All my love, Ship
Shorty & Judy Brush says
Drik, Eric & Family so sorry for your loss praying for god to give you the strength now and in the days to come
Nancy Orchard & Bob Speth says
Dirk, Eric, and Families,
Nancy and I are very sorry to learn about your loss of Jerry. We were very fortunate to have a few very short encounters with him. He was a delight to be with. We are sure he will be missed by many.
Sharon Cline says
Dear Dirk, Jonette, and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tony, Sharon, & Sam Cline
Hal and Justine Gierke says
Dirk and Eric, so sorry for your loss of your dad and your mom. Many good memories, great people together again.
David Wheeler says
Dear Dirk, Jonette and family
Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Judy Doeden Schmidt says
Jerry’s family: So very sorry to hear of your loss. I didn’t see Jerry much but have some happy memories of visits when they made it back to Nebraska as kids. Lives got busy and we only met up a few times when he came to Nebraska as an adult. May the memories you have of your time with him carry you through this time.
Sincere sympathy,
Judy(Doeden)Schmidt
Gino Frater says
I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences and may the soul of your grandfather rest in peace.
Captain John W. Alter, USN - Ret. says
Jerry (or as we called him, “Doeds”) and I served together in the Navy when we were both in VS-25. We occasionally flew together, but I was unaware of his aversion to flight if he was not the Pilot in Command. I was honored to serve as one of Jerry and Kathy’s ushers at their wedding at the Officers’ Club at NAS Coronado, CA. (Once I knew they were going to move to Miles City, MT I didn’t give their marriage much hope for survival given her upbringing and choice of career as a flight attendant domiciled in a large city. Boy, was I wrong!
Following my Naval service I worked for Piper Aircraft Corporation and on a flight from Pennsylvania to Oregon I scheduled a fuel stop in Miles City, but couldn’t connect with Jerry. My loss.
I will always remember him fondly as a “hail fellow, well met” and a dedicated Naval Officer… but was always “loose as a goose!”