Jerry Kardas

Gerald "Jerry" Kardas, 76, formerly of Glenns Ferry, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, after a battle with cancer.

Graveside memorial services were held Friday, Jan. 9, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements were by Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.

Jerry was born Gerald Melvin Thunem to Anne and Melvin Thunem on Aug. 7,1932, in Butte, Mont. His mother later married Emil Kardas and together they raised him in California.

Jerry spent his summers in Montana on his father's ranch. Jerry grew up and attended school in California and graduated from Whittier High School and then from Pierce College where he was on the rodeo team, specializing in saddle bronc riding.

He was drafted into the Army in 1957. His time in the Army granted him exposure to many European countries. After his honorable discharge, Jerry became a horseshoer and followed the harness horse circuit in southern California.

He later met and married Madeleine Moffet in 1968. From that union was born Justin Kardas, of Boise, and Shelby Kardas, of Portland, Ore.

In 1975, he settled with his wife and children on a farm in Gooding.

Mandy and Jerry later divorced and he eventually moved to and retired in Glenns Ferry, where he spent the last 15 years of his life.

Jerry liked fishing and spending time with his family on holidays and camping trips. He also enjoyed "shooting the breeze" with the locals in Glenns Ferry and his alone time with his radio listening to talk shows and reading, his family said.

In October, his son and daughter-in-law moved him to Boise to be closer to him. He spent his last days at Jocelyn House in Meridian, receiving "compassionate care from Dorothy Gussie and Legacy Hospice, including Christie, Anna, Kiera and the entire team," his family said.

Jerry is survived by: his son, Justin (Tonya); his daughter, Shelby (Andrew), and four grandchildren.

He is survived by: his ex-wife, Madeleine; a brother, Jim, and his step-father, Emil Kardas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne, and his father, Melvin.