Jerome Henry "Jerry" Oidtman

January 9, 1934 ~ January 18, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerome “Jerry” Henry Oidtman, aged 91, formerly of Jefferson City, who left us peacefully on January 18, 2025.
Jerry was born on January 9, 1934, and spent his life dedicated to his family, friends, and the community.
Jerry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lee Oidtman (née Green).
He is survived by his children, Christopher Oidtman (Diane Oidtman, née Lavin), Gregory Oidtman (Victoria Oidtman, née Chastain), and John Oidtman (Anita Oidtman, née Coropolis); his grandchildren, Andrew Oidtman (Jimaine Oidtman, née Titus), Jessica Couillard (Matthew Couillard), Rachel Oidtman (Ann Raiho), Catherine Oidtman (Jaime Forero Núñez), Charles Oidtman, and William Oidtman; and his great-grandchildren, Anna Couillard, Theodore Oidtman, Henry Couillard, and Clara Oidtman.
He was also predeceased by his parents, Julius and Anna Oidtman, and his siblings, Freda Anderson, Mildred Martin, Anna Marie Klebba, Nadine Isenberg, and Joanie Brondell. He is survived by one sister, Jewell Rae Bode.
Jerry grew up in Jefferson City, MO, where he had fond memories of working in his father’s grocery store. He attended St. Peter School, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball. Jerry received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Benedicts College in Atchison, KS, and, post-graduation, he proudly played basketball while serving in the US Army. He spoke often of his time in the Army and how it shaped him as a person. We cherished the many stories he shared of his time serving in US Army ComZ while stationed in Orleans, France.
Jerry was known for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering spirit. He served as an insurance executive at CIGNA for over three decades, ending his career as Chief Executive Officer of Marketdyne International, a division of CIGNA Corporation. His dedication to his work was only surpassed by his love for his family and his passion for fly fishing, golf, and watching sports—especially his beloved Tennessee Volunteers.
Throughout his life, Jerry touched the lives of many with his warmth and compassion. He was a devout Catholic and served the church in many ways, including participating in the Knights of Columbus. He was an active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield Glade, TN, where he attended services with his wife for over three decades. He also volunteered and contributed his time and many talents to the parish. Jerry most cherished spending time with his family and specifically his wife of 53 years, Mary Lee. He was truly a “never miss” father exemplified by the memories of his sons. With every sporting event, every school activity, every major life event, we would see Jerry’s smiling face and generous lending hand. Being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a joyful smile to his face. What we witnessed most was Jerry’s unending ability and desire to help others.
Jerry was surrounded by his immediate family at the time of his passing. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted and the memories he created with those who loved him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki, VG officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Francis of Assisi in Fairfield, Glade TN in Jerry’s memory.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
Services
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, June 14, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am
St. Peter Catholic Church
216 Broadway
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle