Jerry Charles Lakey, 75, of Soda Springs, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on April 23, 2026.

Jerry was born January 2, 1951, in Soda Springs, Idaho, to Ezra and Faye Lakey. He was raised on the family farm as the fourth of five children, where he learned the value of hard work, developed his steady nature, and formed the deep love of the land that remained with him throughout his life. He attended Idaho State University and spent a short time working in Las Vegas, living with his sister Lois before returning home to the family farm working and raising his family.

On June 29, 1974, Jerry married the love of his life, Connie Somsen Lakey. Together they built a beautiful life centered around the family farm with lots of laughter and great adventures. Their marriage of more than fifty years was filled with country drives, family gatherings, kids sports and the great outdoors.

Jerry loved the outdoors and was always ready for an adventure. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, huckleberry picking, snowmobiling, boating, and exploring the mountains he knew so well. He seemed to know every road, trail, and hidden place. He treasured time spent with family and friends, whether in the mountains, on the water, or simply going for a ride with Connie.

Jerry never knew a stranger. He was everyone’s best friend, a jokester who loved to laugh and make others smile. He was thoughtful, generous, and always willing to help anyone in need. Ever since he was a little boy, he had a special place in his heart for animals and them for him.

More than anything, Jerry will be remembered for his love of fishing, kindness, loyalty, humor, and the deep love he had for his family. His family was his whole world, and he was immensely proud of each of them.

Jerry was a devoted father and grandfather whose family meant everything to him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie Lakey of Soda Springs; son Derek and Lisa Lakey of Fairbanks, Alaska; daughter Hayley and Babe Meyers of Soda Springs, Idaho; grandchildren Kasey, Tanner, Tayler, Colby, Megan, and Mya; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Julie Lakey; sister-in-law Terre Lakey; brothers-in-law Steve (Louise) Somsen and Randy (Cherese) Somsen, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra and Faye Lakey; sister Lois Lakey; brothers Loney Lakey and Dwight Lakey; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Leith and Virijean Somsen.

A viewing will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home, and again Friday, May 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Caribou Bible Church, 290 E 1st N, Soda Springs, ID 83276.