Jerome Everette Foskuhl left us suddenly on October 4, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Dodge City, Kansas, on July 5, 1948, he was the son of John E. and Ruth (Gaskill) Foskuhl. Known to most everyone throughout his life as Jerry, he spent his childhood in Ford, Kansas and attended school there from elementary through high school.

At the young age of 18, Jerry proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam, embodying the spirit of dedication, bravery, respect, and discipline. While in basic training for the Army, Jerry was found to be an excellent shot and had elite survivor skills. This was noticed very quickly by his superior officers. Jerry found himself going from being enlisted as infantry in the Army to being pulled aside and trained for elite sniper missions for the Army- a fact he kept to himself for several years to not only protect himself but his family. Jerry struggled with the things soldiers do for most his life. However, as his children got older, he healed and eventually became able to share some of the incredible heroic measures he had done fighting for his country. He also spoke of the many scary missions and things he faced being a sniper in the middle of the jungle. He spoke of the strife and perseverance needed to survive and the need to know about your surroundings at all times. He told of missions to Hawaii for training and of Korea where he learned to make and fell in love with eating kimchi- a favorite of his which continued all his life.

After his honorable discharge from the army, he returned to Southwest Kansas where he raised his family. Jerry was a true jack of all trades- enjoying mechanics, trading, road work, gun smithing, restoring old vehicles, coo king, horse trainer, truck driving, school bus driver to name a few. Jerry was always ready to lend a helping hand and a meal and cot to anyone who needed it. He never met a stranger, and his warmth touched the lives of everyone around him. He loved the game of pool and dancing. He especially loved the waltz and two stepping to some good country songs. He gave the best hugs and the best reassurance.

Jerry found enjoyment in simple things like hunting and fishing and a good ol' campfire. His laughter and smile were contagious. He loved to be charming and ornery to make people smile and feel better about themselves or their day. He was someone you could always call and he'd be there to help. Jerry was a protector, the quiet strength you needed, one to call when hard things needed done. He was the rock for his family in so many ways. He adored and loved his family fierce and whole heartedly. Known for a lecture or two and very long talks, he had "adopted" many neighborhood children who he loved like they were his own. Jerry loved children and people. He could always get children to giggle and be silly anytime he was around, mainly because he was being silly and goofy with them. Jerry was an outdoorsman- enjoying hunting and fishing and sitting outside under the stars as much and as often as possible. He enjoyed the mountains and lakes, horses and the old cowboy lifestyle that encompassed manners, manliness, and respect. Humbleness. Protection for women. He was a charmer and a true gentle man. A cowboy through and through.

Jerry was blessed with 3 marriages in his life. His first marriage was to Joyce Day, who he shared 2 children with. The second to Sherri (Willhite) Foskuhl, whom he was married to for over 30 years and shared 4 children with. In his final marriage Jerry found his match in Charleen (Larman) Foskuhl. Jerry met Charleen while working at Fort Dodge Soldier Home. At the time, Jerry had resolved to himself he would be a bachelor for the rest of his days. Instead, he spent the next 20 years together with his Charleen and added her 5 children to the family. Together, they built beautiful life in Dodge City and later in Ensign, Kansas. Their bond was a testament to love, laughter, playful banter, forgiveness, and friendship. They created countless cherished memories- with a big, beautifully blended family being the center of it all.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Charleen Foskuhl; children, James West of Texas, Lanica Willaby of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stacie Williams and husband Allen of Spring Hill, Tyrel Foskuhl of Ensign, Mandy Ebeling-Dearing and husband Kenny Dearing of Spring Hill, Linda Kleweno and husband Josh of Ensign, Benny Gonzalez and wife Kim of Montezuma, Dave Gonzales of Lexington Park, Maryland, Christina Snyder and husband Andy of Wichita, TJ Gonzales of Lawrence, and Rudy Gonzales of Wichita; two sisters, Renee Lantz of Dodge City and Judy Liemkuhler of Pueblo, Colorado; a brother, Willie Chow and wife Joni Chow of Dodge City; 28 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Johnny Foskuhl and David Foskuhl and a son Jerome E Foskuhl,JR. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will carry his spirit and love in their hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held to honor Jerry's life on October 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City. There is no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.