Jerry "JL" Tool

Jerry “JL” Tool, 81 of Elm Creek passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at his home. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 22, 2021 at Elm Creek Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #316 in conjunction with the Nebraska National Guard Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Chapel in Elm Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post #316 or to the Elm Creek United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Jerry Lee “JL” Tool was born June 3, 1940 in Kearney, Nebraska to Donald and Ethel (Winslow) Tool. He was raised in Elm Creek and received his education from Elm Creek High School, graduating with the class of 1958. Following his graduation, JL attended Kearney State Teachers College and later the University of Arizona before. JL worked as an assistant herdsman with registered Show Cattle out of Fort Worth, TX before being drafted into the United States Army in November of 1963. He received his training from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and Ft. Riley where he was part of the 1st Infantry Division Military Police. JL served in Vietnam where he was a member of an advanced infantry team known as “Big Red One.” His final assignment was being a personal bodyguard for 2nd Brig. General Col. Simmons. JL proudly served until his honorable discharge in November of 1965. After returning from the service, JL earned his degree in Animal Science from Kansas State University in 1968. After returning from service, JL returned to Elm Creek and operated his own trucking business for many years. Later, he worked for Kearney Implement as their truck driver until his retirement. JL enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and collecting antique toys. He was an avid UNK Loper fan and was a longtime season ticket holder. JL was a 50 year member of the Elm Creek United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Elm Creek American Legion Post #316. Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Ginny Bennert of Elm Creek; brothers, Richard (Pam) Tool of Elm Creek and Daniel Tool of Kearney; nephews, Trace Tool, Tobian (Heather) Tool and Tanner (Kris) Tool all of Elm Creek; great nieces and great nephews, Trista Tool, Aspen, Emerson and London Tool, Cavan and Carden Tool. JL was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Raymond Bennert.

Jerry "JL" Tool

June 3, 1940 - November 17, 2021