Jerry V. Scritchfield

Jerry Van Scritchfield, 67, Frankfort, died Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Bryan West in Lincoln, NE. A graveside service will be 1 p.m., Sunday, May 30, 2021 at Fairmont Cemetery, Blue Rapids, KS Jerry was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on March 28, 1953 to Raymond and Kay (Cargile) Scritchfield. Jerry's father, Raymond, was in the army and they moved about every 18 months, so Jerry grew up all over the U. S. and Germany. In 1972, Jerry graduated from Valley Heights High School. He worked for a short time in the mines of Wyoming and went on to make his career with the iron erection industry. Starting by walking the high iron and rigging in industrial construction and high-rises, then went on to spend the last 25 years of his career as a crane operator. Jerry was always proud to be "building America". Jerry's family is spread throughout the states and he treasured the reunion times, when they could get together as a group. There were always many stories, practical jokes and so much laughter. Throughout his life he had a "second career". The time not spent at work, was spent with his love of the outdoors. Climbing, hiking, biking and photography. Ice climbing was his favorite with rock climbing a close second. Jerry climbed in the Colorado Rockies, Devils Tower, Banff area of the Canadian Rockies and many other places. And most of his accomplished technical climbing was after Jerry turned 40. Jerry had friends from all over the world before there was Facebook. Once he was on Facebook, he posted photos from his years of construction, outdoor activities and his recent love of photographing eagles, hawks and other birds and he made hundreds more friends from every point of the globe. Jerry's constant goodbye to everyone was, "Have a better day today than yesterday". Preceding him in death was his father, Raymond; and son, James Raymond Scritchfield. Survivors include his wife, Candace; mother, Kay (Herb) Rakestraw; son, Jeremy (Kristie) Scritchfield; daughter, Ashley (Shaun) Kramer; stepdaughter, Heather Roberts; brothers, Steve Scritchfield, Robert Scritchfield; sisters, Sandy Thompson, Cindy Kerns; grandchildren Scarlette, Henry, Sam, Max, Decker, Trey, Caden, James, Aaron (Christina); and great-granddaughter, Brooklynne. A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, Frankfort, KS. Video link to funeral for Jerry Scritchfield Video link to Jerry's balloon release To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jerry V. Scritchfield, please visit our flower store.