Gerald "Jerry" P Wrage

Gerald P. "Jerry" Wrage, age 86, formerly of Keystone, NE, passed away, Sunday, December 20, 2020, surrounded by family at his home in Lincoln.

Jerry was born to Ansel and Lillian "Bobbie" (Cronin) Wrage on September 26, 1934 in a motel near Valentine, NE.

While attending Valentine High School, he excelled in football, basketball and track. After graduating in 1953, he went to South Dakota State to play football. He later transferred to Chadron State College to further his athletic and rodeo endeavors. While at CSC, he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Tryon. They were married in her hometown of Morrill, NE on August 22, 1955.

As a life-long cowboy, he learned to rope and bulldog from his father. Together and separately, they won many a go-round while little brother Fran announced. At Chadron State, he was a charter member of the Rodeo-Ag Club started in 1955. After college, Jerry continued his love of sports. He was always attending the many games and events of his children, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. He was known to travel all over Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming and even California if a relative was coaching or playing. 

Jerry's first job took the couple to Lincoln where he worked for the "Nebraska Farmer", fulfilling his passion for ranching, the cattle industry and "visiting" until the cows come home. Everyone Jerry met was no longer a stranger. 

Jerry's knowledge of the cattle industry led him to the Agricultural Banking business as the president of the Bank of Keystone. Jerry and Margaret settled in Keith County, building their home overlooking Keystone and the Platte Valley and remained for 49 years. Few things brought him greater satisfaction than to help his friends and neighbors become successful in their endeavors. He never stopped trading cows or "wild westies" during his retirement as Field Representative of Ogallala Livestock Auction Market. In fact, Jerry was still brokering cattle until his move to Lincoln two years ago. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret; daughters and sons-in-law; Susan and Tim Weismann, of Waverly; Laurie Wrage and Ken Priesner, of Ogallala; son and daughter-in-law; Shawn and Rebecca Wrage, of North Platte; grandchildren, Jessica (Weismann) and Jared Carr, Nick Weismann, of Lincoln; a very special great grandson, Waylen Scott Carr; brother and wife, Fran and Jean Wrage, of Surprise, AZ; brother-in-law and wife Stewart and Joan Tryon, of Lincoln; sisters-in-law; Marge Wrage, of Hershey, NE; Kathy Wrage, of Tampa, FL; Aunt Shirley "Sis" (Wrage) Daniels, of Ainsworth; along with many other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Scott Ansel Wrage; and 2 younger brothers, John and Mike Wrage. 

A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Father Bryan Ernest officiating. 

Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to Tabitha Hospice, Lincoln, NE; and Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE. Memorials may be sent to Susan Weismann, 10711 Ashby Circle, Waverly, NE 68462

Online condolences may be left by signing the guest book at www.drauckerfh.com. The service will be recorded and added to the website after his service.

For the health and safety of others, social distancing and face masks are required for all family in attendance. There will be a Celebration of Life, later this summer when all can travel safely.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.