Jessica's Journey

This page is dedicated to all the wonderful comments from everyone who has supported the family during this journey, along with a special message from Jessie's family.

roadkingclassic wrote:The Jerkes are having a benefit Sunday afternoon Oct. 18th @ Northridge high school 2 - 5 pm.
I encourage commentors to think about this young lady, possibly contribute! we all have our opinions, lets turn it into action! Maybe we can take our opinions/words and do more, maybe make a difference? 10/6/2009 8:42:35 PM on greeleytribune.com

jjblade65 wrote: I know I am saying a prayer for her each night and wishing the best for this beautiful and strong young woman, her family and her boyfriend. What a great story of courage! 10/6/2009 3:34:21 PM on greeleytribune.com

dewey the swede wrote:I agree "space_cadet." Many people look at others as if they are "freaks" just because they are not an ideal "normal." My husband has very little hair from years of chemo and radiation, and his bald head may not be pretty to most, but to me it's him-not his bald head I love. He has been called a freak by others who only see what is on the outside, and not what is on the inside that him and others have to struggle with daily.
I hope they do a follow-up on her as well! 10/6/2009 1:31:44 PM on greeleytribune.com

space_cadet wrote:This is the life that many with disabilities lead, everyday of their life. Please don't judge people by their outward appearance, their handicap, or their mental health issues. They are people, some of them the most kind and giving. They are brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, girlfriends, friends, aunts, and uncles. Have compassion, and share that compassion. Jessie's story is not different than anyone that has an infliction they couldn't control, take from it a lesson and pass it on. 10/6/2009 1:20:39 PM on greeleytribune.com

dirt diva 177 wrote:Let's hope the Mayo docs can figure this thing out. She, her parents and her boyfriend, all show courage and strength. Hope the Trib does a follow up story--I'm sure a lot of people, like myself, are very curious to know what this "disease" is. 10/6/2009 9:42:38 AM on greeleytribune.com

bungeebounce wrote:Thank you, Jessie, for reminding us that "If life brings you to it, God will bring you through it."
And we'll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. 10/6/2009 8:36:01 AM on greeleytribune.com

Joel-2 wrote:What a strong and admirable young lady, and what a mature and loving boyfriend she has, too! It's always so depressing when something like this happens to someone so young, but Miss Jerke, you are a perfect example of how to live life to its fullest, of how to not dwell on what you have, but rather be grateful for what you still have, and you should be very proud of yourself for showing the rest of us who don't have your disease, how much life truly is a gift, how we should enjoy it each day, and regardless of what comes our way. 10/6/2009 1:27:49 AM on greeleytribune.com

Ole 11:11 AM on 4/6/2011 May the Jerke family be blessed with loving peace & comfort. Larry

thosepeople 9:21 AM on 4/6/2011 Condolences from our families.

hereforever 9:27 PM on 4/5/2011 RIP Jessie.

Trapper _3 6:16 PM on 4/5/2011 Very sad event, I would like to offer my condolences, sincerely.

Yippie 5:22 PM on 4/5/2011 I am sure Jessie is singing with the angels. I am so sorry for the loss of this amazing spirit from this world, but rejoicing knowing she struggles no more.

mootobaby 5:21 PM on 4/5/2011 that's very sad ... please send best wishes to the Jerke family; they are hard-working people with the best intentions for the people of Weld County




Jan Cook Greeley, Colorado April 13, 2011 2:30 PM		I have taught tatting at Greeley Potato Days for a number of years, always willing to teach beyond what I can offer that day. Jess took me up on my offer, so I met with her several times at the library to work together with her. She was so full of energy and the love of God! It was a pleasure to get to know her, and my heart is sad that she had to go through such an illnes, but it doesn't surprise me that she took her illness as well as she did from what I read in the paper. I know for sure she is enveloped in God's loving arms and will be with Him forever. She has made an impact on my life just getting to know her! God bless!

Roxanne Troudt Greeley, Co April 13, 2011 11:52 AM		My deepest sympathy to you all. Let the Lord comfort and sustain you at this time.

Carmen Portland, Oregon April 12, 2011 1:07 PM		I was so sorry to hear about Jessie and please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. God be with you all Carmen

Rich Hergert Evans, CO April 12, 2011 12:45 PM		I am so sorry for your loss. I know the feelings of burying a child as five years ago on April 4th my son, age 30, died. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

David Bauer Greeley April 12, 2011 12:43 PM		Bill, Jeannie, and family, Such promise cut short so soon has been hard for you all. Now wishes are sent with hope that your pain will pass gently and swiftly.

Amanda Zielske Greeley, CO April 12, 2011 10:30 AM		Jessie touched my life and will always be remembered in my heart. God Bless and take care of you through this time.

Tammy Schall April 12, 2011 9:35 AM		I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Jessie was an amazing young lady. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Pam & Nicole Knespel La Salle, CO April 11, 2011 5:05 PM		Jerke family - our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Jessie. God's blessings!

Everett James Gonzales Louisville, Colorado April 11, 2011 12:58 PM		Jessie and I went to high school together and shared many fond memories playing tennis and singing together. We knew each other for what seems like such a short time during high school, but she has remained in my memory as a dynamic young woman full of life and as having a beautiful spirit. We will always remember you Jessie! Respectuflly, and with love, ~Everett

Floyd & Gloria Harrison Fort Collins, CO April 11, 2011 12:47 PM		Jessie's life was a testimonial to her love for Christ, and to the love and dedication of her family. She touched our lives in more ways than can be listed here. She was always open to sharing her love and talents with old friends, new friends and strangers. We have many fond memories of times spent with Jessie. Christmas with the Kniss family was very special! We extend our love and support to Bill and Jeannie, and their extended family. Floyd and Gloria Harrison

Jimmy Esquibel Greeley, Co April 10, 2011 11:42 PM		I send you my Heart felt prayers and condolences. May you all feel GOD's Love during this difficult time and always here after. Jimmy Esquibel

Kenton Kuhn Denver, CO April 10, 2011 12:14 PM		To our wonderful friends, our hearts go out to you. Our memories of shared time together with you and Jessica will always be with us.

Debbie Crystal Longmont Co April 9, 2011 10:34 PM		I am so sorry for your lost. Jessie was a beautiful young women. I only met her a couple of times at the Ataxia support group meetings. She was always smiling and happy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

JIM & JODI McCARTHY LaSALLE, CO April 9, 2011 10:05 PM		Bill and Jennie, Our hearts and thoughts are with you in the loss of your daughter. She is such an inspiration. Jim and Jodi (Maag) McCarthy

Betty Inouye Fort Lupton, CO April 9, 2011 6:59 PM		So sorry to read about the loss of your daughter. I'm sure she was every bit as amazing as her mom - a student of mine once upon a time. My thoughts are with you and yours.

Orlando & Gloria Mestas LaSalle, Colorado April 9, 2011 12:54 PM		Bill and Jeannie,we are so sorry about the loss of Jessie. She was a beautiful and vivacious young woman whose presence will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Angela Tschacher Billings MT April 9, 2011 12:25 AM		Dear Jeannie, Bill and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts.... Angie

Gary & Mary Lou Schissler La Salle, Colorado 80645 April 8, 2011 7:50 PM		Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stephanie April 8, 2011 10:44 AM		I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your lost. I remember Jessica coming in to Entanglements Day Spa, were I worked as a Massage Therapist. The first time I meet Jessie,she was so full of life, enjoying school and singing. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.

Frank Oliver Greeley, CO April 8, 2011 10:32 AM		I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Our prayers are with you.

Support during daughter’s illness, death appreciated

First, we want to thank God for the wonder of Jessica’s life and the gift of her to us for her 21 years. We want to thank family and community, churches, friends, co-workers, neighbors and medical professionals for their prayers, love, food, flowers, gifts for Indian water wells and gifts for Jessica’s Memorial Scholarship fund.

The medical professionals ranging from North Colorado Medical Center doctors, nurses and physical therapists to Children’s Hospital to University of Northern Colorado nursing students and the Mayo Clinic are all appreciated for their compassionate professionalism.

The city of Greeley police and communication departments have been wonderful in their support of Jeannie and our family through this two-year challenge.

We appreciate the kind professionalism of Weld County paramedics, sheriff’s deputies and the coroner’s office.

Much appreciation goes to the staff of Moser Funeral Service and to Linn Grove Cemetery staff for their quality advice and attention to detail.

We give special thanks to Dan England and The Tribune for their sensitive reporting of Jessica’s journey.

For more information about Jessica, go to JessicaJerke.com.

We want to thank specifically Pastors Alan Kraft of Christ Community in Greeley and the entire Christ Community Family for their love and our use of the Greeley church. We thank Pastor Allan Williams of Greeley, Jessica’s childhood pastor. We also thank Pastor Jeff Lowther of Stafford, Kan., Jessica’s middle school/high school pastor. All three spoke at Jessica’s funeral.

We want to thank Colorado Christian College for Jessica’s freshman year of college and her spiritual and musical growth.

Long before Jessica became ill, she adopted 2 Corinthians 4:7 as the signature verse she lived her life by. It reads: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Contributions are being accepted by the University Schools Foundation in Jessica’s name to benefit University High graduates with college scholarships. They may be mailed to: University Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 336785, Greeley, CO 80633.

With heartfelt thanks and gratitude,

Jessica Jerke Family, La Salle

Dear Greeley Police Department Family,

Our loss is great but the support has been heart-warming. If you sent a beautiful card, prepared a meal, took a salad to the church, sent a flower arrangement or plant or gift, cleaned my kitchen (you know who you are!), or just held my hand, or prayed for our entire family; thank-you! Words just don’t do justice to how blessed Bill and I feel to have this type of community love and shared grief.

Jessie’s life was well-lived and she left a legacy of love for the Lord and all of you. She told me more than once that the dispatch family was “angels that help people everyday”. Now she is our angel.

Again, thanks for all the months of prayers for our beautiful Jessica Dawn. We are so glad she is at peace now. We will undoubtedly need continued prayer for our grieving process.

Jeannie and Bill Jerke 2 Corinthians 4:7

We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support and love that you have all shown during this time. We only hope that Jessie's message about the love of God has entered your hearts and that from this time forward your lives are filled with God's unfailing love, hope and faithfulness.

A very special thank you to Stephanie, Ishi, Akoko and Katarina who have brought light, laughter and love to us. Your continued support and dedication is appreciated beyond words. You are all wonderful caring Christian women with amazing spirit that truly reflect why Jessie called on you all as her besties!

We love you!