Dr. Gerald Patrick Wetovick

Dr. Gerald Patrick (Jerry) Wetovick of Cozad passed away Wednesday May 25, 2022 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.  He was 86 years old.  Jerry was born November 23, 1935 in Fullerton, NE to Edward and Josephine (Mahony) Wetovick.  He graduated from Kearney High School in 1953.  He attended Kearney State Teachers college from 1954-58.  He then went on to graduate from University of Nebraska Dental College in 1962.  He married Patricia Jarosz on August 19, 1961.  They moved to Cozad in 1962 and had five children.  He practiced Dentistry in Cozad from 1962-2006.  Jerry had a passion for his community and his work.  He was an active member in several organizations including the school board, American Cancer Society, Chamber of Commerce, Northwest District Dental Society (President, VP, secretary /treasurer), coaching boys’ baseball and girls’ softball.  He was active at Christ the King Parish: Legion of Mary (President), a church trustee, a Leader in Cursillo, CCD teacher for 20 years, member of Knights of Columbus, Lector and Eucharistic minister. He enjoyed Husker Football, golfing, hunting, motorcycling, boating, fishing, and spending time at their Johnson Lake cabin with family.  After his wife’s death in 2007, he felt a STRONG calling from GOD and entered the seminary in Hales Corners, WI.  He was ordained into the Priesthood on June 4, 2010 in Grand Island, NE.  He was an Associate Pastor of Holy Spirit in North Platte and Sacred Heart Parish in Sutherland, NE.  He greatly enjoyed his time as a Priest until his retirement from the active ministry in 2013. From there, he moved into Meadowlark Pointe assisted living facility in Cozad, where he remained until his death.

Jerry is survived by his children Renee (Greg) Hueftle of Cozad; Dave (Janell) Wetovick of Eustis; Dr. Sheila (Dr. Alan) Buchele of Carl Junction MO; Paula (Jeff) Mackenzie of Lincoln; and Dr. Patrick (Megan) Wetovick of Cozad and his grandchildren Jessica (Chris) Woodward; Whitney (Jordan) Rathke; Madison Hueftle; Ryan (Stephanie) Wetovick; Drew (Nikki) Wetovick; Jordan Wetovick; Lauren Buchele; Anna (Zach) Snodgrass; Brooke and Sara Buchele; Macey Mackenzie; Colin (Juli) Wetovick; and Ben and Nolan Wetovick and great grandchildren Ally and Henry Woodward; Mya and Ava Wetovick; and Hadley Wetovick and brothers, Bob and Don Wetovick; and sister, Sharon Spencer. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Patricia.

Memorials are suggested to Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living, Christ the King Catholic Church or donor's choice. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with family present from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.