Jerome L. "Jake" Tesar

A Memorial Service for Jake was held Friday, April 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva. Pastor Gaylen Rasmussen presided over the Memorial Service. The recorded selections "Why Me," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "How Great Thou Art," and "Happy Trails" were played during the Memorial Service. Honorary Pallbearers included Chad Withers, Stephanie Verley, Janson Jirkovsky, Meghan Volpi, Shannon Jirkovsky, Brynlee Turner, Everlea Turner and all of Jake's great grandchildren. A Graveside Committal of Ashes was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Memorial Service. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Fillmore County Hospital Foundation or the Geneva Rescue Squad. Jake's service is posted to our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@FarmerSonFuneralHome. Jerome LeRoy “Jake” Tesar, 85, of Geneva, Nebraska, passed away at his home at Pioneer Manor on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Jake was born on January 18, 1941, in Friend, Nebraska, to Jerry and Leona Rose (Krisl) Tesar. He, along with his siblings, was baptized at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Ong, Nebraska, on May 15, 1955. He grew up on a farm south of Tobias before moving into town in 1953. Jake attended grade school in Tobias until 1956, when his parents divorced. He and his siblings then moved to Geneva with their mother, who later married Henry Cecrle, a wonderful stepfather to Jake, Hoot, Marlys and Gaylen. With union of Leona and Henry, a sister, Cindy, joined the family. Jake started at Geneva High School as a sophomore in the fall of 1956 and graduated in 1959. A strong student, he excelled in mathematics—a talent that would influence his hobbies and career later in life. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, studying Civil Engineering, but financial constraints caused him to pause his studies. After working for local farmers, Jake took employment Nichols Construction for several years. In 1964, Jake was forced to quit the construction business due to the physical demands. With the suggestion and help of Howard Nichols, Jake returned to the University and completed his Civil Engineering Degree, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in August of 1968. Following graduation, Jake began a long and respected career with the Nebraska Department of Roads, serving as a Civil Engineer for 40 years. For the last 20 years of his career, he was a Quality Control Engineer, a role that reflected his meticulous nature and deep expertise. He retired in 2008. In August 1968, Jake was introduced to Delores “Dee” Schupbach Jirkovsky through mutual friends, Delfs Linder and Bennie Linder. After five years of dating, they married on January 27, 1973, in Fairbury, Nebraska. Jake often said that meeting Dee and becoming a stepfather to her four children was the best thing that ever happened to him. Jake’s interests were varied and passionate. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting pheasants, fishing, hunting morel mushrooms, and gardening. He and Dee often traveled to Las Vegas with friends, spending time taking in shows and at the casinos. Jake and Dee also enjoyed their yearly 4th of July get togethers in Lincoln with the Nichols and Matejka families. Jake had a particular love for horse racing, applying his mathematical skills to the art of handicapping. Even as betting odds and tracks changed, he enjoyed studying the daily race forms and making his picks, always with a twinkle in his eye when he hit a winning “pick five.” After retiring, Jake devoted more time to caring for Dee while still traveling to visit family. Following Dee’s passing in 2011, he remained in Lincoln for two years before returning to Geneva, where he found companionship with Pam Turner. Despite living apart at times due to family obligations, Jake and Pam shared many enjoyable moments, traveling between Geneva and Lincoln. Jake’s life was marked by dedication, intellect, and love for his family and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, sharp mind, and enduring passion for the simple joys of life. Jake was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Henry Cecrle; wife, Dee Tesar; brothers Gaylen Tesar, Norman “Hoot” Tesar; and step-daughter, Marcy Wythers. He is survived by stepsons, Randy (Kris) Jirkovsky, Michael Jirkovsky, and Joe (Mary) Jirkovsky; sisters, Marlys (Jim) Voth and Cindy (Steve) Carrigan; special friend, Pam Turner; five grandchildren, Stephanie Verley, Jason Jirkovsky, Chad Wythers, Meghan Volpi, and Shannon Jirkovsky; great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Tributes

Jerome L. "Jake" Tesar

January 18, 1941 - March 26, 2026