The Superior Express -

Jerry Bargen, the adopted son of Chester and Ruth (Green) Bargen, was born on Dec. 11, 1945, in Julesburg, Colorado, to Meryl and Hazel Hewgley. He died on May 6, 2023, at the University Medical Center at Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 77 years, 4 months 25 days.

Jerry attended grade school in Nelson and was a 1964 Nelson High School graduate. He was also a graduate of San Diego University College of golf. He enlisted in the United States Army Jan. 26, 1966, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 14, 1968. He was united in marriage to Leticia Garza on June 28, 2014, at Nelson. He retired from the Nuckolls County Road Department.

Jerry was active in the community serving as a past mayor. He also was a member of the fire and rescue squad, Elk Creek Country Club and the American Legion.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, softball, fishing, camping and poker games and liked to travel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Ruth and Meryl and Hazel; siblings, Betty Jo Hewgley, James Hewgley, Mary Lou Hewgley and Molly Pierce; and granddaughter, Misty McWhorter.

Survivors include his wife, Leticia of Nelson; his children, Beth Bargen of Tennessee; Brian (Melissa) Bargen of Superior; Richard Bargen of Indiana; James (Estella) Lopez of California; and his sister Peggy (Paul) Duey of Aurora, Nebraska; nine grandchildren: Dustin Crane, Kimberly Bargen, Ashley Bush, Chase Butler, Ashlei Roesti, Britni Lovegrove, Jarett Roesti, Alec Lopez and Christian Lopez; six great-grandchildren: Kylie Roberts, Kayson Cosby, Peirson Pentz, Waylon Roesti, Jimmie Crane and Rose Crane; other relatives and a host of friends.

A graveside service with military honors was held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 15, from the Nelson Cemetery in Nelson with David Johnson officiating.

Memorials are suggested to go to the American Cancer Society.

Pallbearers were his grandchildren: Dustin Crane, Kimberly Bargen, Ashley Bush, Chase Butler, Ashlei Roesti, Britni Lovegrove, Jarett Roesti, Alec Lopez and Christian Lopez. Honorary pallbearers were his great-grandchildren: Kylie Roberts, Kayson Cosby, Peirson Pentz, Waylon Roesti, Jimmie Crane and Rose Crane

Condolences may be sent to Klawitter-Price Funeral Home, 446 South Main St., Nelson, Nebraska 68961 or in care of http://www.pricefuneral homes.com.

Klawitter-Price Funeral Home of Nelson was in charge of the arrangements.