Gerald "Jerry" DeHague, age 77, died at his home in Denver, Colo. on October 4, 2025.
Originally from Burlington, he was a proud graduate of Burlington High School, class of 1966. He continued his education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography in 1970 and a master’s degree in Geography in 1972. He moved to Seattle, Washington, in 1973 to accept a job at the Southland Corporation (7-Eleven). He soon met Deby Reichman, and the couple married on December 27, 1975. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary later this year.
Jerry worked for three companies over four decades in the gasoline and convenience store business. In addition to the Southland Corporation, Jerry held positions at Total Petroleum and the Kroger Company, where he started the Kroger’s Super Market Petroleum Division. Jerry retired as a Vice President of Kroger in 2015. Jerry and Deby lived in Washington, California, Alaska, Colorado and France during Jerry’s career.
Jerry was an avid fly fisherman, experienced outdoorsman, and red wine connoisseur. He is survived by his wife, Deby, their daughter Julie A. Bellamy, son-in-law John T. Bellamy and two grandchildren: John P. (10) and Charlotte G. (7), who reside in Northern Virginia. He is also survived by three sisters, Vicki Starr (Steve), Karen Swank, Marla Crane, and several extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Jack DeHague, and siblings, Judy Taylor, Jack DeHague, Steve DeHague, Carol Anderson, and twin infant boys, David and Dennis DeHague.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 20 at Lunning Chapel. The Rev. Father Jake Greinger will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m.
A private family burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery.