Mr. Jerry Ray Halterman, 60, entered into Heaven on Monday, November 23, 2020 after an unexpected illness. He was at home surrounded by his loving family when he passed.

Jerry was born in Rochester on February 20 , 1960 to Ned and Jane Tobey Halterman. His childhood was spent on the family farm where he and brother Joe got into many adventures together, with younger sister Bonnie trying to keep up and oldest sister Barb trying to keep them out of trouble.

Jerry graduated from Rochester High School in 1978 and furthered his education at Purdue University, earning a BS in Agricultural Economics in 1982. He then started his career with Monsanto Company working for their Agricultural Chemicals division in sales and marketing.

Jerry and Susan Lynn Smith started their 37 years together on June 4 , 1983 at Grace United Methodist Church where Reverend Fred Keebler joined them in marriage. During his time with Monsanto, they had the opportunity to live in Australia where their daughter, Jillian, was born. Upon returning to the U.S. they had their second daughter, Katherine, in Des Moines, Iowa.

A change in jobs meant a move to Colorado where Jerry loved to spend weekends hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. He finished his time with John Deere in Lenexa, Kansas as the Marketing Director for The Operator Station Group. Although he traveled all over the world for work, his favorite place to be was at home spending time with Susan and his girls.

While in Kansas, they were active members of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. As a man of strong faith, Jerry lived a generous life and worked in many of the church's ministries including  the Backpack Program, inner-city youth tutoring, and mentoring young adults aging out of the foster care system.

Jerry and Susan moved back to Rochester a year ago to be closer to family. He was passionate about his farms and enjoyed being close to the work.

Left to cherish the memories of Jerry are his wife, Susan; two daughters: Jillian Williams and husband Ben of Seattle, WA, Katherine Halterman of Kansas City, MO; his parents, Ned and Jane Halterman of Rochester; two sisters: Barbara Overmyer and husband Ned of Rochester, Bonnie Halterman of Indianapolis; a brother Joe Halterman and wife Stacy of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held for Jerry Ray Halterman. Family will host a celebration of life service in the summer of 2021.

Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice in Rochester or the Backpack Ministry at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (13720 Roe Blvd, Leawood, KS 66224).