Jerry Lee Mead

Jerry Lee Mead of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. He was the youngest child of Myron and Rosella Mead, also of Fort Collins.

Jerry was born on July 10, 1943, at Weld County Hospital in Greeley, Colorado. He grew up in LaSalle, where he attended grade school and three years of high school. His family moved to Fort Collins during his senior year, and he graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1962. Music was a lifelong joy for Jerry. He played trumpet and other brass instruments in his middle and high school bands, and he loved collecting and playing instruments with his grandchildren throughout his life.

After high school, Jerry began working at Colorado State University Printing Services as a lithographer. He worked his way up to management over 34 years and was recognized with an Outstanding Achievement award in 1993. He also ran a beloved side hustle every Wednesday at the Windsor Beacon, doing the printing and publications work he knew so well. In 1964, he married the late Sandra Clement (Leraas), and together they had a son, Mark, and a daughter, Robin.

Jerry was the most patient and loving father. He happily drove the kids on their paper route, always ending the weekends with donuts. He faithfully attended Mark’s wrestling matches, horse events, and baseball games, and enthusiastically chauffeured Robin to her baton competitions and 4-H activities. No one can forget the countless swim meets and joyful parties at the SCCA swimming pool. Our special family trips remain some of the most treasured memories of all.

During his years at CSU, Jerry made lifelong friends who stood by him through life’s ups and downs. He was famous for celebrating birthdays with the best cherry cheesecake, and the memories and camaraderie from that time remained deeply special to him. It was at CSU that he also met his beloved wife, Linda Peckham. Jerry and Linda were married on July 6, 1996, surrounded by family and friends at the Avery House in Fort Collins. They continued working together at CSU and cherished quiet lunch hours at home watching The Andy Griffith Show. After retiring, they filled their days with travel across the United States and abroad, always accompanied by laughter and loved ones. Some of their favorite adventures included trips to Mexico and Belize with Steve and Linda, to Alaska with Ira and Georgia, to Hawaii with Priscilla and Joe, and a particularly memorable journey to Costa Rica. They also loved finding zip lines where ever they traveled, camping and hiking throughout Rocky Mountain National Park. Later in life, Jerry took up golf with the same playful spirit he showed as a young man—switch-hitting in baseball and always ready for the “switcheroo.” He enjoyed playing the par-3 course near home off Lemay Avenue and would pack his clubs on every road trip, just in case. Family lore insists he once hit a hole-in-one… or so we’ve heard.

From a young age, Jerry found joy in building model airplanes. In his later years, he took to flying a flight simulator on his computer each morning, exploring airports around the world. He took great pride in his granddaughter’s military flying career and was deeply touched when he and Linda were awarded a plaque as the “best grandparents” of a C-130 pilot.

Jerry’s creative spirit shone brightest in his woodworking. For many years, he and his dear friends, Larry and Mary, crafted beautiful clocks and patterns to sell. He found pure delight in choosing materials at Woodcrafters and becoming completely absorbed in each project until it was finished. Every piece was crafted with love, infused with thoughts of family and friends along the way. His creations now live on as treasured keepsakes filled with memories. He generously made wig stands for patients going through chemotherapy and pens for veterans going on their honor flights. He generously let friends and family choose special pieces, and he made unique gifts for each grandchild to be given on their wedding day.

For more than 40 years, Jerry lived in the home he loved. You could often find him on the porch, watching the lively “shenanigans” of his wonderful neighbors with a smile. Warm, teasing greetings like “Hey, you old dirtwad” or “Hey, you old fart” were all spoken with deep affection. His neighbors—Randy and Roxy, Tina and Daphne, Paula and David, Chris and Becka, Erica, and Paul—were family to him, and they were there for him through it all. They cherished their weekly football watch parties where they were cheering on the Broncos.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Rosella Mead; his sisters, Barbara (Bobbie) Robins and Marjorie (Margie) McVoy; his niece, Jill Brown; and his nephew, Jeff Powell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Mead; his son, Mark (JJ) Mead; and his daughter, Robin (Tim) Zadzora. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alexander (Audrey) Mead, Morgan (Logan) Wilson, Madelynn Zadzora, Daniel Zadzora, and Casey Zadzora; and great-grandchildren Autumn Mead, Kambry Wilson, and Bridger Mead. Additional survivors include his brother-in-law Ira Robins and wife Georgia, brother-in-law Earl McAvoy, and many cherished nieces and nephews: Nick McAvoy(Laura), Tammy (Rich) Harris, Scott (Cheryl) Robins, Julie (Warren) Yoder, and Shawn (Lea) McAvoy. He is also survived by Linda’s mother, Grace May Schmidt, and her sisters Doris Davidson, Priscilla Sharpnack, and Brenda McCown. Thanks to all family and friends who visited Jerry during his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held in August. Family and friends are warmly invited to share stories about Jerry and how he touched their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Jerry Mead to the Fort Collins Wind Symphony. Checks can be sent to: Fort Collins Wind Symphony, c/o Megan Wilkes, 4816 Hilltop Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (please note “In Memory of Jerry Mead” in the memo line). Donations can also be made online at www.fcwindsymphony.org.

On a final note, remember to tell your loved ones every day you love them. Jerry and Linda did this every night before they went to bed; they love each other dearly.