Zakary Michael Jerke

Zakary Michael Jerke, on April 6, 2025, in Temple, Texas

Zakary was born on October 26, 1994 in Twin Falls, Idaho to Jan Michael Jerke and Christy Ann Jones (Jerke). He was an amazing son and friend to all he knew. He attended High School in Twin Falls Idaho and graduated in 2013. He then joined the USMC and served proudly for 4 Years. Once he separated from the Marines, he moved to Texas with his mom, brother and stepdad and worked steadily until he decided to join the US Army. Zak served proudly in the Army for 5 years and separated as a Sgt. Zakary served 3 overseas tours in Japan, South Korea, and Poland. During his last year in the Army, he received his Welding Certificate and became a welder for the Z Modular team in Killeen Texas.

He loved welding, playing guitar, working on vehicles, competition shooting, hunting, fishing, visiting his mom, brother and stepdad and most of all his pup Wrecker (Bubba).

Zakary is survived by his Mother Christy (Glen) Parnell, Father Jan Jerke (Denise), Sisters Amanda (Dustin) Hepworth, Jessica (Chad) Nichols, Brother Devan Horton, Uncle Blaine (Karlin) Jerke, Aunts Erin (Nick) Bowden, Lisa Mallea (Ceven), Misty (Curt) Carter, Grandparents Dolores (Ron) Chapman, Kathy Jerke, several nephews and many cousins.

He is proceeded in death by Grandparents Henry and Carol Jones and Grandfather Wally Jerke.

We will miss him very much. We are blessed by all of the messages we have received from friends sharing what an amazing Leader, Friend, Brother-in-Arms he was.

A Memorial will be held on May the 5th, 2025 at 1PM at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11463 Fort Hood St, Killeen Texas 76542. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Zak’s name to a Military related charity such as Tunnels to Towers, Wounded Warrior Project or K9s for Warriors.