Jerald Michael Dunks

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(Aug. 24, 1960 - Sept. 10, 2013)

Jerald Michael Dunks, 53, of Cody, died in Cody on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013, after a brave three-year battle with cancer.

Jerry was born Aug. 24, 1960, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Jess Monroe Dunks and Wanda Lee Standlee. He graduated from Worland High School, and entered the U.S. Marine Corps soon after, in 1979. He served eight years in the Marines and four in the Army.

He met his best friend and wife of 34 years, Patricia Dunks, while on recruiting duty in Idaho. They married six weeks later after a powerful courtship involving numerous marriage proposals.

Pat was by his side throughout his fight with cancer, and held his hand in his final moments.

Jerry — an ordained minister, Marine, soldier, electrician, son, brother, husband, father and Papa — is remembered for his unhindered sense of humor, his strong sense of loyalty, honesty and integrity, and his approachable, sunny personality. His unconditional love, dedicated work ethic and unshakable personal faith served as an inspiration to all who knew him.

For the last few years, Jerry worked and traveled around the country employing his electrical and mechanical expertise as an electrician for Helmerich & Payne, Inc. After falling ill in 2010, the company went above and beyond to show extraordinary support for Jerry and his family. At every turn, Jerry had the resources he needed, and the generosity of the company he was proud to work for.

Jerry is survived by six siblings, as well as his wife, Pat; their three children, Jerome Michael and Christopher Bryan Dunks, and Danielle Jo Constein; two daughters-in-law Stephanie Freeze and Katy Entz; one son-in-law Cory Constein; and five grandchildren Jaylyn, Austin, Chloe, Nadia and Lyra Dunks. He is also survived by Buster, his and Pat’s beloved Chihuahua.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Jerry Dunks Memorial Fund, which benefits the Big Horn Basin Cancer Center in Cody.

Donations can be made in person at any Sunlight Federal Credit Union or mailed to: The Jerry Dunks Memorial Fund, SLFCU, P.O. Box 910 Cody, WY 82414.

An open memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Hugh Smith Park in Cody. The service will be casual, and in recognition of Jerry’s unique sense of style, denim overalls and hats are not discouraged. Cremation services have been entrusted with Ballard Funeral Home in Cody.

An online memorial is available at www.ballardfh.com.

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