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Gerald “Jerry” William Kobs, age 95, of Blair passed away on April 11, 2023, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Community in Blair, Neb.

Jerry was born Jan. 3, 1928, to Mertie Ann (Wollen) and William August Kobs Jr. in Bennington, Neb. His parents raised him to be a clean-cut farm kid. He graduated from Blair High School in 1945.Two months after graduating he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was shipped to the Mariana Islands, specifically Guam and Saipan. Jerry spent almost two years on Saipan as a third-class motor mechanist. He served in the navy during WW2 from 1945-1948. After returning to the states, Jerry farmed the family farm with his father in the DeSoto Hills near Fort Calhoun and then later in Blair. In 1949, he met the love of his life, Donna Snow, on a blind date. Jerry and Donna married Oct. 4, 1950. They were happily married for almost 70 years.

Jerry was very involved with the community and raising a family. The couple had five children. He was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Blair where he served on the church council, as Sunday school superintendent, and eventually trained for the Stephen Ministries and proudly became certified at age 85 as a Parish Ministry Associate. Jerry continued to serve the Lord in his later years as a resident at Good Shepherd where he offered mealtime prayers and worship during COVID. He was also an avid supporter of the Blair Community Schools. He served on the school board for 16 years and helped to establish the Blair Community School Foundation. He also served on the Good Shepherd Board for 12 years, the Washington County Extension Board, was a Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader, TeamMate and a member of the Lions Club.

He will be remembered as a beloved husband and father, a dedicated grandfather, an advocate of education, a community servant, and a true disciple of God.

Jerry is survived by his son, Gene (LuAnne) Kobs of Goltry, OK; daughter, Carol Schreckengast of Blair, NE; son, Steve (Audra) Kobs of Eustis, NE; son, Lowell (Kayla) Kobs of Ashland, Neb.; and son, John (Ann) Kobs of Blair, Neb.. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, plus many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Donna, in 2020, and his son-in-law, Harry Schreckengast, in 2017.

The family will receive friends beginning 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at First Lutheran Church (2146 Wright St.) in Blair. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. at the church following the visitation. Fellowship and luncheon will follow the service with graveside service at 2 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the First Lutheran Church of Blair. Services provided by Campbell Aman Funeral Home.

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First Lutheran Church, Blair, Nebraska

Honorary Pallbearers: Brian Kobs, Dru Kobs, Seth Kobs, Blake Kobs, Blair Boquet, Glen Andersen

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #252225137