Jerry learned to square dance with his parents in the fall of 1965, as a senior in high school. He started calling in the spring of 1966, and for the next 20 years, was the club caller for a number of clubs in northeast Nebraska. He also traveled as much as his farming operation would allow. The spring of 1986 brought with it the decision to devote full time to calling square dances. The year, 2023, will mark his 57th year of calling. He was honored to be inducted into the Nebraska Caller and Cuer Hall of Fame at the Nebraska State Festival in September of 2018.

An accredited member of CALLERLAB since 1976, Jerry has served as chairman of both the Rural Area Considerations Committee, and the CALLERLAB Foundation. He was a member of the Board of Governors for twelve years, serving on the Executive Committee six of those years. He was elected Chairman of the Board, and served in that capacity for two years, 1997 and 1998. He retired from the Board of Governors in 2004. However, he remains active by continuing to serve on two committees within the organization.

Jerry firmly believes in the development of new callers, and the continuing education of established callers. He and Jim Mayo are co-authors of a book on choreography called, “Standard Choreography.” Designed with the newer caller in mind, it provides examples of danceable choreography from standard formations to assist in teaching new dancers.

An Accredited CALLERLAB coach since 1991, Jerry has been on the staff of various caller schools and seminars around the country. He owns and conducts two schools each year. The Heart of America Caller’s School, established in 1989, and is held in the central part of the country. He has been a staff member of the Cascade Caller’s School in Cle Elum, WA since 1991. Due to the closing of the campground in Cle Elum, that school has been moved to the Yellowrock Campground in Lolo, MT. It is now called the Big Sky Caller’s School.

During the winter months, Jerry makes his home in Mesa, Arizona where he is the resident caller for Mesa Spirit and Silveridge RV Resort Parks. While there, he maintains a complete program of square dancing from Beginners through A-2.

Jerry has recorded for Chinook, Global, Riverboat, Hoedowner, Solid Gold, and Crown Records. He currently records for the Hi Hat label of San Diego, CA. He has been featured caller at many festivals and weekends around the country. Traveling extensively during the summer months, he thoroughly enjoys the traveling side of calling and the many friends he has made throughout the activity. He takes special pride in calling smooth, flowing choreography with the basic philosophy that.... "SQUARE DANCING SHOULD BE FUN."