Gerardus “Jerry” Vierling quietly passed on the morning of Aug. 17, 2026, two days before his 88th birthday.
Jerry was born Aug. 19,1938, in Indonesia to Dutch parents. He was the beloved older brother to six younger siblings.
Jerry immigrated to the United States during World War II with his parents and younger brother. After traveling from the Netherlands, through occupied France, all the way to Portugal, their ship, the Nea Helles, arrived at Ellis Island on Sept. 12, 1940.
His love for this country was never in question, and he joined the US Marine Corps in 1958 with aspirations to be a pilot. While training to fly he found a love for aviation and used his GI Bill to go to aircraft maintenance school. He went on to have a 37-year career with American Airlines as a mechanic and crew chief.
Jerry retired in 2003 and spent his newfound free time staying active in the gym, building any project his family gave him, becoming friends with strangers, relaxing in the mountains at the family cabin in Frisco, Colorado, and babysitting his grandson, Reed.
Jerry is survived by his son, Derek Vierling; daughter-in-law, Kellye Vierling; grandson, Reed Vierling, his daughter, Mandy Vierling; son-in-law, Doug Constable; grandsons, Akyra, Kai, and Kaeden Constable; his lifelong friend, Linda Killinen; his brothers, Anton and Martin Vierling; sisters, Thea Vierling, Anna Shuman, and Tippy DeLeo; brother-in-law, Elwin Campbell; and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Val Vierling; his parents, William and Johanna Vierling; and his brother, Billy Vierling.
There will be a celebration of life at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 31, at Stillwater Meadow, 9842 E. Bankhead Hwy., Aledo.
The Community News
August 21, 2026
