Jerome Perry Palanuk

Jerome (Jerry) Perry Palanuk, 77, of Garden Ridge, Texas was called Home to be with the Lord he loved on October 17,2024. Jerry was born in Dickenson, North Dakota on March 2, 1947, to Mike and Dorothy Palanuk. He grew up in Garrison, North Dakota where he loved to hunt and fish with his dad and brothers. He enjoyed fall hunting and fishing trips to North Dakota with youngest brother, Mike, as guide and brother, Tom, joining them as he was able. Jerry loved the beauty of North Dakota's prairies and lakes and enjoyed the trip and time with his brothers thoroughly even when pheasants or fish eluded him. 

Jerry earned a BA in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota, and an MBA in Management from Golden Gate State University, California, and graduated from 3 professional military schools. He received his commission into the USAF in early 1970 and he and Pat (Patricia McDermid) were married in North Dakota on December 26, 1970. 

Jerry was a Master Navigator with over 3,100 flight hours. During the 4 years Jerry flew in the B-52, he spent 489 days on temporary duty on Guam and in Thailand. He was proud to have played a part that contributed to the end of the military conflict and release of POW's held in North Vietnam. Flying in the FB-111 gave Jerry opportunities to fly supersonic, upside down, 200 feet above terrain at night, and to participate in Red Flag exercises in fighter/bomber aircraft. He also served as an instructor and commander in Alabama, Maine and Texas. Jerry was proud to have been able to serve his country for 30 years.

Jerry's favorite memories include enjoying God's creation with Pat, backpacking, camping, hiking in California mountains, upstate New York and Maine. He enjoyed discussing and sharing God's Word with Pat all along the way. He treasured his long and faithful marriage. He loved to study God's Word and share with others in small group Bible studies. 

Jerry delighted in being a father and spending time with Faith and David for wonderful experiences and memories made as a family. He was "Bapoo" to his grandchildren whom he adored and loved with tender guidance and wise words of life mixed in with lots of corny jokes and laughter. He joyed to know his children and grandchildren all know the Lord. Jerry was deeply touched to know his grandson would carry his name as Gabriel Jerry. Gabriel with born October 17, 2024 at 8:15 AM and Jerry passed into glory with God at 5 PM the same day. The race of life that God set before Jerry, and his struggle with heart disease are finished, and he is rejoicing in the presence of God. We look forward to seeing him again, but for now he is deeply missed. 

Jerry leaves his beloved wife of 54 years, Pat; daughter, Faith Kennedy (David); son David Palanuk (Ruby); 3 granddaughters, Ashlyn, Anne, Caylee; and 1 grandson, Gabriel Jerry; sister, Geri Meek (Dean); brother Tom Palanuk (Mary); brother Mike Palanuk; sister-in-law, Mary Ehmann (Darcy); brother-in-law, Tim McDermid; dear friend, Linda Alexander. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Dorothy Palanuk. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Options for life, New Braunfels, TX; Bible Broadcasting Network; Missionary of your choice.