Jerry Kresge Obituary

Jerry Kresge
Gerald Jarnes Kresge passed away at Westview Healthcare Center in Sheridan, Wyoming, on June 25, 2025. Jerry was born Jan 26th, 1932, in Kewanee, Illinois to Clarence Albert Kresge and Emma Jarnes Kresge. After graduating from high school in Burlington, Iowa, he served in the U.S. Army including time as a medic in Europe. He fell in love with Wyoming when he attended graduate school at the University of Wyoming in 1956. He taught for a total of 31 years, most of it at Buffalo High School. He spent many summers working for the Big Horn National Forest Service and also volunteered for a number of archaeological digs. Jerry was a founding member of Powder River Basin Resource Council, as well as the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sheridan. His contributions and his passion for the environment and social justice were invaluable.
"Never cease to explore" sums up Jerry Kresge's approach to the opportunity of life. A lifelong learner, Jerry was always reading and engaged in conversations about philosophy, history, politics, social responsibility, and spirituality. He took online classes when he was in his 80s! Always seeking wonder and beauty, accompanied by his canine friends who were accustomed to exploration, he traveled the back roads and parks of America putting over 400,000 miles on his old truck/camper named Elmer. But Elmer was only his means to the start of a hike for he believed the slower you go the more you see and experience. Everywhere he went he would strike up conversations with the people he met resulting in many lifelong friends
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As part of trail crews and in his free time he hiked most of the Bighorn National Forest map, including remote areas and lakes where few people go, continuing to hike into his 80's.
His enthusiasm for seizing every opportunity for life inspired others. As a high school teacher, his excitement about learning was contagious. Students not only learned the subject, but also learned how to question, study and learn how to learn. A favorite subject was Human Cultures, which was a way to investigate how the myriad societies of the world live together, agree and disagree, build up and tear down. It was a study of religion, politics, science and social interaction; what's right with the world and what's wrong with it. He encouraged a world of tolerance and peace.
As a gay man he had a life full of both darkness and light. Jerry's outdoor explorations were where he could escape his demons and find his angels. He opened himself to beauty in all its created forms, and beauty opened him to deep spirituality. His continual drive to become a better person helped him adapt to living in the moment no matter what the circumstances, including aging with gratitude and acceptance.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his only sibling, Jane, as well as his family of beloved canines. He is survived by Cousin Bob Garske, Nephews Mark and Jim Secord, and Niece Laura Secord, as well as many friends who loved and learned from him.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 pm. on Saturday, July 26th at Sheridan Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1950 East Brundage Lane. In lieu of flowers, spend time in nature and do something to promote tolerance and peace.
Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
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