Obituary of Jerry Lynn Truesdell

Jerry L. Truesdell, 86, died on Tuesday March 21, 2023.  He was born in Eaton, Colorado on October 22, 1936, to Orlo M. and Ethel M. (Billings) Truesdell. 

Jerry graduated in 1954 from Greeley High School.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hastings College, in Hastings, Nebraska.  In 1961, he received his Master of Arts Degree from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), and in 1964 his Doctorate of Arts Degree from UNC in 1981.

He served for six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.  In 1961 he was employed by Boulder Valley School District as an Art Specialist.  In 1963 he became the Art Coordinator for the Fremont Nebraska Public Schools.  Returning to Greeley, he taught art at Heath Junior High and then upon the completion of Greeley West High School in 1965, he was hired as their art teacher. He taught at West High School until his retirement in 1991.

Dr. Truesdell was a life member of the Colorado Art Education Association and the National Art Education Association.  He held the office of Western Regional Chairman of the Secondary Art Teachers for two years.  He then became the National Chairman of Secondary Art Teachers for another two years. During his career in art education, and as an artist, he received numerous awards.  His paintings are in various private collections.

Jerry is survived by his sister Patricia (Truesdell) Rhone, Greeley, CO and five nieces and nephews, Jami (Lesser) Shepherd, Windsor, CO, Sheri (Truesdell) Petersen, Greeley, CO, Brett Truesdell, Evans, CO, Sean Sullivan, Greeley, CO, and Andrea (Sullivan) Kaffenes, Dallas, TX.  Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Don Truesdell, Greeley, CO and a sister, Marilyn (Truesdell) Lesser, Greeley, CO.

Words alone can never truly express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone at The Greeley Village and Bristol Hospice. It was so encouraging to know that we had a community of care givers that embraced Jerry’s journey.

At Jerry’s request, there will be a private graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Memorial gifts may be made to “Hastings College” in care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47^th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.  Condolences may be shared at AdamsonCares.com.