Gerald Alan “Jerry” List’s life was a testament to excellence and achievement. Hailing from Bay City, Michigan, Jerry’s journey began on the football fields of Bay City T.L. Handy High School, where he left an indelible mark from 1965 to 1968. His exceptional talent earned him the prestigious honor of First Team All Valley in 1968, showcasing his prowess and dedication to the game.
Jerry’s football odyssey took a significant turn when he ventured to the University of Nebraska, where his skills flourished on a grander stage. As a Cornhusker, he played an instrumental role in securing national championships in both 1970 and 1971. Standing tall at 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, Jerry carved his name in Nebraska’s football history by setting the record for career receptions by a tight end. With an impressive tally of 70 catches for 1,010 yards and five touchdowns, he etched his legacy in the annals of college football, earning recognition and acclaim for his stellar performances.
However, tragedy struck on October 15, 1993, when Jerry’s life was abruptly cut short in a single-engine airplane crash near Atkinson, Holt County, Nebraska, at the age of 43. Alongside his wife, Susan, Jerry was one of the five individuals who lost their lives in the devastating accident. Despite the untimely end to his journey, Jerry’s legacy endures through his remarkable achievements on and off the football field. His memory is forever enshrined in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his impact resonates in the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame where he was inducted in 1993.
Rest in peace, Jerry List. Your legacy as a true champion will never fade.
