Jere Bourne, 81, of Concordia, Kansas, died at home surrounded by his loving family on June 19, 2023. He was born in Concordia, Kansas on July 16, 1941 to Charles and Mildred (Dolifka) Bourne.
Jere moved to Loveland, Colorado with his family at the age of 15. He graduated from Loveland High School and went on to attend Aims Community College with a degree in Graphic Design.
He worked an array of jobs including radio host, and working in electronics for Ball Aerospace and HP.
Jere welcomed his oldest daughter, Tiffany with Geraldine Heywood. He went on to marry Lonnie Sue Sutton on his birthday in 1973 at the courthouse in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They welcomed daughter Mery. Later in life he married Margarita Moralde in 1997 in the Philippines and that union brought his daughter Joy. In 2019 he returned to Concordia with his re-kindled high school sweetheart Carol Berkstresser where he was embraced by her daughters Tina Pliszka and Cindy Fuchs. Tina served as a devoted caretaker in his last years.
His hobbies and interests were vast. Jere was a handyman and had a garden large enough and well taken care of enough to be called his hobby farm. He loved fishing and was frequently seen in his fishing vest that he lovingly referred to as his formal wear. He was an animal lover, and even trained homing pigeons and doves for release. Most recently he had a small candle making venture where he sold re-fillable candles locally. He loved sports including the Denver Nuggets and the KU Jayhawks. He was a former season ticket holder for the Denver Broncos. He was known for stomping his feet during the excitement and in later years he would even stomp his cane. He tried to live a green life including biking wherever he could and composting.
Jere found a community in Alcoholics Anonymous and was a member of local chapters for over 45 years. He was dedicated to his recovery and those he sponsored.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joy.
His impact on the world will be carried on by daughters Tiffany Heywood of Berthoud, CO Mery Labott (Seth) of Petaluma, CA, and Joy Bourne of Loveland, CO; grandchildren Alliy Scott, Amanda Thorstensen, Jon Thorstensen, Emily Thorstensen, Madeline Labott, and Landon Labott; greatgrandchildren Hawk Scott, Wren Scott, Aspen Thorstensen; nephews Mike Charbonneau, Rick Charbonneau , and niece Cindy Charbonneau ; and his devoted partner, Carol Berkstresser and her loving family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Freedom Club, local chapter of AA and can be sent in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.
