Long time Alamosa resident and former business professor at Adams State University, Gerald Lester Corning, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Arvada, CO.
Gerald or “Jerry” was born May 13, 1943, in a train depot in Dickens, Nebraska, to Lester and Hilda (Goodrow) Corning. His Dad was a telegrapher for the railroad which led the family to relocate often, including to Paoli, CO, where Jerry played basketball and graduated from Haxtun High School. Jerry returned to Lincoln, Nebraska to continue his education and ended up meeting his wife Susanne (Sukovaty). The two made their way back to Colorado, eventually settling in Alamosa where Jerry taught Accounting at Adams State for thirty-five years before his retirement in 2009. He enjoyed his profession and the numerous students he taught during those years and felt honored when a scholarship was later endowed in his name.
Along with his passion for teaching, Jerry’s longtime hobby was that of an amateur ham radio operator where he operated under the call sign K0MT. His children can still remember the sound of his keyer as he used Morris Code to send dits and dahs to people all around the world…in all hours of the day and night! Jerry was always trying to improve upon his signal reach. One time he even roped his kids into wiring pop cans together and erecting a very tall homemade aluminum tower.
Following retirement, Jerry moved to the Denver area to be closer to his wife, kids, grandkids, and his own mother until her passing at 103 years young! He enjoyed fishing, playing Yahtzee, watching sports on tv, eating at restaurants, playing Bingo and buying wild t-shirts at the thrift store. His five grandchildren saw many funny faces, were given lots of bunny ears, and could often get a few bucks from him if ever they asked. Those he left will miss his sense of humor, his intellect, and his companionship.
Gerald is survived by his children Michelle Straight (Greg), Blair Corning (Becky Dillon), and Tammy Glasby (Trent), grandchildren Chloe, Bella, Sophia, Holden, and Braelyn, his sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Hilda, his brother Raymond Corning (Mary Reichardt Corning Jones), sister Bonnie and her husband Orville Harms, his wife Susanne, son Travis Corning, and nephew Gary Harms (Vicky).
A celebration of Jerry’s life with food, drink, and song will be held 11:00 AM, July 7, 2024, at the Faversham Park Lake Pavilion at 6109 W. 73rd Ave., Westminster, CO 80003. Former students, friends, and family are all welcome to attend.
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