Gerald "Jerry" L. Thornburg

A graveside service for Gerald L. Thornburg will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Alma Cemetery in Alma, Nebraska with Mr. Dave Thorell officiating.

Gerald Lee "Jerry" Thornburg, 83 years of age, of Alma, passed away, on March 24, 2025, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska. Jerry was born in Lamar, Colorado on September 18, 1941, the eldest of four children, born to Lilburn and Nellie "Lillian" (Hood) Thornburg. He received his education in Lamar.

On November 21, 1965, Gerald was united in marriage to Judith Ann "Judy" Simpson in Colby, Kansas, and to this union two children were born: Lisa Machelle and James Lee. The family made their home in Colby, where Jerry worked as a mechanic for many years. In 1977, they relocated to Holdrege, where Jerry sold insurance and helped deliver the Omaha World Herald newspaper. Then, in 1984, the couple moved to Goodland, Kansas, where Jerry was employed with the State of Kansas working in Landfills until his retirement in 2003. The couple then moved to Alma, where they owned and operated the Alma Lanes Bowling Alley. In December of 2005, Judy preceded him in death.

Jerry enjoyed refinishing furniture, hunting, and fishing. The couple liked to go camping and spent lots of time at the Moose Lodge. More recently, every morning, Jerry would take his dog Minnie to Methodist Cove so she could run around.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Judy; his dog, Minnie; one brother, Billy Thornburg; and one brother-in-law, Elmer Kuehler.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Lisa Soderholm and her husband, Richard of Alma; son, Jim Thornburg and his wife, Beth, of Norfolk, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Kim Long and her husband, Kevin of Fairmont, West Virginia; Kendra Soderholm and her fiancé, Michael of Holdrege; Lynae Rebman and her husband, Jordan of Lawrence, Kansas; Skyler Thornburg and his fiancé Ashlyn of Keaney; Ryan Soderholm of Alma; Brandi Thornburg of Kearney; seven great-grandchildren: Jaxson Heskett; Jaiden and Jameson Long; Nathaniel and Ethan Svoboda; Kaden and Kinley Thornburg; one brother, Larry Thornburg of Washington; one sister, Norma Kuehler of Riverview, Florida; brother-in-law, Dan Shanks and his wife, Dale of Oakley, Kansas; sister-in-law: Kay Thornburg of Goodland; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma.

A memorial has been established in Jerry's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.