We were so sad to hear the news of Jerri’s passing. Ivan, our hearts go out to you and your family and all of Jerri’s friends. William, we are thinking of you and your family too.

Jerri was the youngest Idtse cousin. I will always remember her energy, smile, laugh, and quick wit. She shared her father’s storytelling ability. Jerri had a caring, gregarious personality. She could always be found talking as well as actively listening with someone, young and old alike.

Growing up, the extended Idtse Family was spread throughout the U.S., so family gatherings weren’t frequently held. When I was young, the Jenkins Family would fly up from Texas to the Beloit area in their plane to see Grandma and Grandpa Idtse. I fondly remember that my brother Paul and I had our first plane ride alongside our Texas cousins with our Uncle Russ at the controls.

One of the first big extended family gatherings I recall was at Sterling Worth to celebrate our Grandma and Grandpa Idtse’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. After this big event, my grandparents’ children each took a turn at being in charge of organizing the family reunions which happened sporadically every few years. Family reunion activities often focused on catching up over games of cards, water sports, golf and the initiation event for new family members. They were initiated into the Anti-Idtse Mutual Protection Association otherwise known as AIMPA.

Jerri and I worked with my dad to put together the family reunion at the YMCA of the Ozarks in 2003. That was the last time all of my dad’s generation of Idtse siblings gathered. I remember meeting Ivan at this family reunion. Jerri was excited to introduce him to the extended family and have him initiated into AIMPA.

Our last family reunion was held in Portland, OR in 2012. Jerri and Ivan attended this gathering. The older generation handed out t-shirts to all the female cousins announcing that the Idtse kick line was officially transferred down to our generation. We weren’t too sure we about this, but we gave it a try anyway.

The last time I saw Jerri and Ivan was in the summer of 2018. My daughter Erin and I went to Colorado for a spur-of-the-moment long weekend trip before she started law school in the fall. When I called Jerri and Ivan about getting together, they graciously adjusted their plans and met us in downtown Denver. Over drinks, they gave Erin insights about law school, opportunities with a law school degree, and their own law careers. It was so evident how much Ivan and Jerri cared, supported, and were proud of each other’s accomplishments and gifts. After quenching our thirst, they gave us a walking tour of the downtown area. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together.

Jerri will be missed.

With our deepest sympathy and love,
Sue, Tom, Ben, & Erin Bartenstein