Gerald "Jerry" T. Hardy, 84 of Westminster, CO, passed away with his family at his bedside on January 31, 2024, at Common Spirit St. Anthony North Hospital after his battle with multiple serious medical issues.

Jerry is survived by a brother, Don (Joy) Hardy of Watertown, MN, two children: Wayne (Gwen) Hardy of Rapid City, SD, and Debbie (David) Jenkins of Westminster, CO,  two granddaughters: Lindsey Brooks of Commerce City, CO, and Jamie Brooks of Elmira, NY, two great-grandchildren: Sarah Brooks and Carter Marshall, both of Commerce City, CO, many extended family members, and by his beloved cat, "Gus".

Jerry was born in St. Louis, MO on Sept 25, 1939, to Harry C. Jungling and Helen Louise (Garvey) Jungling. He had a very close relationship with his grandfather, Gerald T Garvey. They did everything together. This relationship remained close until his grandfather's death in 1978. Jerry's parents parted while Jerry was still very young. His mother re-married to Earnest "Ernie" Lloyd Hardy, who then adopted Jerry as his own son. At age 9 Jerry and his parents moved to Deadwood, SD, and at age 10, Jerry became a brother to the second child born, Don Hardy.

During his H.S. years, Jerry was involved in many different school activities. In his Jr year, he was a member of the "Blue Notes" of the Boy's Glee Club, sang as a member of the Mixed Chorus, was #12 on the school's Jr-Sr Basketball Team, and served as the Junior Class President whereas he crowned the Junior Queen. When Jerry was in his Sr year, he was a member of the Bruin Organization and was #23 on the school's Basketball Team (The "A" Team). He was a member of the Boys Glee Club, sang as a member of the Mixed Chorus, acted in the school's Christmas Play and other class plays, was a member of the Student Council, and was in the Letterman's Club (The "D" Club). Outside of school, he loved to play baseball where he met many of his lifelong friends. Jerry would carry a piece of cheese in his pocket while playing baseball, and so was given the nickname "Mouse" which he was known for throughout the rest of his life. Jerry graduated in the class of 1957 from Deadwood H.S. at age 17.

Shortly after H.S. graduation, Jerry met his soon-to-be wife, Janice Marlene Brudvig. He continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis, MO for about one and a half years, and in 1959 he returned to the Black Hills in SD to study general courses at The Teachers College. In 1961 he returned to St Louis, MO for work. Janice took a trip to St. Louis to visit Jerry, and the couple decided to elope and get married. They exchanged vows on August 29, 1961, and then returned to SD only to inform his bride's parents that they were married. With a big smile on his face, Jerry held out his hand to Janice's mother and said, "Hi! Meet your new son-in-law!" Her parents were not too happy with him!

Between 1962 and 1964, Janice & Jerry became parents to two children, Wayne, and Debbie. Jerry had to work three different jobs in order to afford soy milk for his daughter, due to an allergy to cow's milk. He pumped gas, washed windshields, and checked oil at Frontier Gas Station, delivered prescription drugs to customers for a local pharmacy, and worked at a finance company as well. Janice was a stay-at-home mom. In 1968 the family moved to Westminster, CO where Jerry started a job working for the US Postal Service as a Mail Carrier. His route included his own home, where he would stop to eat his lunches each day. After only a year, Jerry became a Carrier Supervisor and in one more year, he was promoted to Assistant Postmaster for the Westminster Post Office. In 1980, he was transferred to the budget office in downtown Denver, where he became a Budget Specialist. In 1992 and at age 53, Jerry retired early from the Postal Service.

Jerry loved sports. He enjoyed golfing, watching all the football games on TV, and attending hockey games. At the time of his retirement, Jerry wanted to work at a golf course so he could get discounts and do what he enjoyed. So, he began working a part time job at Riverdale Golf Course riding a little cart and sitting in the snack shack, selling sodas and snacks to the golfers. Jerry also loved spending time with all his family. As his children grew up, he attended figure skating competitions, ice hockey games, school events, boy scout meetings, dinner banquets, took them to the movies and to the mountains. He took them on skiing trips and helped build go-carts, taught them to ride a bike, and how to set up a tent. He took his family on trips to SD and to the beach where they swam in the ocean. He took them to Disneyland and amusement parks. Jerry gave his children the best childhood they could ever have! When his children were just beginning their teenage years, Jerry found out he had another brother and a sister on his biological father's side, and was even able to meet them.

When Jerry became a grandfather, he was very involved with their upbringing. He would watch his grand-daughters while their mom worked, and would always attend their school functions. He took them places and really enjoyed their company. He continued his involvement with his great-grandchildren as well. He was a family man.

Jerry loved making others laugh, and was known for his quirky humor. He made jokes and told hilarious stories of all the things he did while growing up. He loved dancing. His favorite dance was the Tango, and one of his favorite songs was "Lucille," by Little Richard. Jerry was also known for his extreme kindness and his willingness to help anyone in need. He made friends easily.

Jerry will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to get to know him, but mostly by his children and the rest of his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Janice M Hardy - his father, Earnest L Hardy - his mother, Helen L Hardy - his brother, Ron Jungling - and his sister, Joyce Robinson.

Visitation will take place at the 1st Baptist Church of the Northern Hills in Deadwood on Saturday, 2/10/2024 at 10:00am. A funeral service shall follow at 11:00am.

Services will be officiated by Pastor Pat McBride.

Jerry will be laid to rest next to his wife at Oakridge Cemetery in Deadwood, SD.