Jerilyn was welcomed to the world on August 28, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa, and grew up on a farm northeast of Wakefield, Nebraska. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse (District 74), attending through sixth grade, and graduated from Wakefield High School. Pursuing her passion for caring for others, she studied nursing at the University of Nebraska, where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority. She completed her education at Bryan School of Nursing, where she earned her RN, and at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree.
It was during her time at the University of Nebraska that Jerilyn met the love of her life, Jerry Delzell, while helping build a homecoming display at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house. The two were married on September 16, 1967, at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield, Nebraska. After living for a short time in Sioux City, Iowa, they settled in Lincoln in 1971, where they built a life and raised their two children, Cynthia and Steven.
Jerilyn was deeply devoted to her faith in Christ, serving actively in ministry and fellowship throughout her life. She was a longtime Bible study leader and speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, a member of the Young Life board, and most recently served with Child Evangelism Fellowship (Good News Clubs). She attended City Light North Church.
Outside of church, she was a dedicated member of P.E.O., Chapter GW. Her friendships spanned decades—marked by consistency, warmth, and cherished coffee dates kept for over 50 years. In each organization and endeavor, Jerilyn was known as a kind friend and others leaned upon her for wisdom, prayer, and her kind wit.
Jerilyn was known for her unwavering love for her family. She made every holiday special, creating and continuing traditions, including baking her famous cinnamon rolls and scotcheroos. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy of love and faith will carry on through the lives she touched.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Jeff Ray of Elkhorn, NE, and their children: Trevi and Hunter Harrison and great-granddaughter Iseli Jerilyn of Castle Pines, CO; Nathan and Olivia Ray. She is also survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Darcie Delzell of Wheaton, IL, and their daughters: Clara, Samantha, and Vivian Delzell. Additional survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Brenda Gustafson; sisters-in-law, Kay Delzell and Marge Delzell and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jerilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald (Jerry) Delzell; brothers-in-law, Douglas Delzell and William Wallace (Wally) Delzell; her parents, Helen and Maurice Gustafson; an infant sister, Nancy; grandparents, T.M. and Nanny Gustafson and step-grandmother Hilda Gustafson; and grandparents, Frank and Mina Beith.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Prayer service following at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive in Lincoln.
A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 at First Free Church, 3280 S. 84th Street in Lincoln.
Memorials in Jerilyn’s honor may be directed to City Light North Church, Child Evangelism Fellowship–Lincoln, and the Salt College Ministry at the University of Nebraska.
City Light North Church
Child Evangelism Fellowship
Salt Company – University of Nebraska Lincoln
Livestream at https://vimeo.com/event/5183657