Gerald Wayne Erckert

Yesterday (February 13th, 2026) I lost a friend and a member of my family, today (February 14th, 2026) celebrate your 72nd birthday, you always told me to take as many pictures as I could, so when I get old, people have moved on, and my memory gets foggy, id have reminders in the pictures I take, to relive every good memory, you taught me what hard work looked like, no matter the condition you were in, you never failed to stand up and keep going even when no one was looking, you taught me about tools, cars, and in our last conversation you told me you were proud of me and were like my grandfather, for those words I will forever be thankful, you were strong till the end and only ever worried about those you held dear to your heart, even when you knew your state of being, it never mattered to you, for everything you taught me, for your final words to me, and for this final memory you gave me in the form of a picture, I will always remember you dear friend, you have helped change my life for the better, as the grandfather I never knew I’d have, I pray you have been welcomed into eternal rest, the most peaceful heavenly kingdom, one day we’ll have that fishing trip we never got to go on, till we meet again, keep reeling them in, ill miss you Jerry, thank you for everything 2/13/26🪽✝️ 2/14/26🥳