Jerry Lee Karbs

Jerry Lee Karbs,76, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on July 13, 2025, with his wife and daughter by his side. 

 

Born March 17, 1949, in Greeley, Jerry was the only child of Harold E. and Lillian R. (Sitzman) Karbs. After losing his mother at an early age, he was raised on the family farms by his father and grandparents. When his father remarried, his stepmother Dorothy (Parsons) Karbs, became a meaningful part of his life. Together, they instilled in him the values of family and hard work – though that didn’t always keep him out of mischief.  

 

Jerry discovered his love for the outdoors on the farm and through Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest achievement and a lifelong distinction. He truly lived by the Scout values of integrity, honor, and respect. A highlight was attending the 1964 National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, VA.  

He graduated from Greeley Central High in 1967, where he developed an interest in woodworking. He briefly attended Mesa Junior College and Aims Community College, but when final exams conflicted with hunting season, he made the obvious choice! Jerry soon entered the workforce, which helped fund his enthusiasm for motorcycles, fast cars, and the stories that came with them.  

 

Though Jerry and Barbara were high school classmates, their story began years later on a blind date. They married on November 28, 1975, surrounded by family and close friends. This year would have marked their 50th anniversary.  

Jerry’s career took him from the U.S Forest Service in Elk Mountain to Monfort of Colorado and later into property management in Greeley. In 1996, he started Karbs Construction, turning his gift for carpentry into custom homebuilding. More than a contractor, he became a lifelong friend to many he worked with. He continued working until a stroke in 2013 led to his retirement. 

 

Outside of work, Jerry cherished time with family – especially mountain road trips and vacations. During the week, he was often at the former Higgins Hardware, sharing coffee and stories with friends. Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors hunting and fishing. For decades, he floated rivers and explored lakes across Colorado and Wyoming, knowing every dirt road and hidden fishing hole from here to there. He shared his love of fishing early on with his wife and daughter and later enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada with friends. A private lake near Encampment, Wyoming, remained a favorite, where he continued to fish with the help of his daughter and dear friends.  

 

Jerry was one of a kind - dry wit, straight shooter, full of stories, gentle soul, and loyal friend. He was our rock, the absolute best husband and father, and our greatest blessing. He will be missed beyond words but lives on in every story told, every home he built, and every lake he fished.  

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; their daughter, Jennifer; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.   

 

A casual Celebration of Life will be held at a private residence on August 23, from 1-4 PM. For details, please contact the family directly at [email protected]. 

In honor of Jerry’s love for the outdoors, memorial donations may be made to Rocky Mountain Conservancy (rmconservancy.org).