Obituary of Jerry Goerge Hardung

Jerry George Hardung 73, passed away March 22, 2016 to the ultimate Texas Holdem Poker Tournament in heaven. We know he is sitting at the final table with God and Jerry holding the highest chip count. Jerry was born to Fred and Violet Hardung on April 1, 1942 in Galveston where he spent his early years. When a teenager his Father moved the family to Alta Loma so they could have a better life. Jerry began his working career as a commercial fisherman working with his Father, Brothers, Uncles, and Cousins. He obtained a job as a laborer on a dredge boat with his Father working as the operator of a dredge boat. He and his Father dredged out canals for the Galveston Yacht Basin, and Tiki Island. Jerry had always regretted dropping out of school to go to work. He went back and received his GED. He continued through the years to attend courses which helped to further his career. He attended Mainland Community College, Alvin Community College, Lamar University, Texas A&M and University of Houston. Jerry always considered himself an Aggie. Jerry worked as a Supervisor in construction for many years and finally obtained his license to manage water and sewer plants in Jamaica Beach, Pirates Beach, Sea Isle, Isla Del Sol, Terramar Beach, and Treasure Island on West Galveston Island. During these years he received his real estates license and sold on West Galveston Island. One year he was recognized as the top seller on the west end. He sold over 1 million dollars in property. Jerry married his true love, Mary Calhoun, on December 25, 1961 and remained happily married for 54 years. They had two daughters Jeri Hardung Wilson, Kristie Hardung, and “special daughter” Kim Caron. Two grandsons Joshua Hardung and Christopher Wilson. All currently reside in Henderson, Nevada. Jerry is preceded in death by his Father and Mother Fred and Violet Hardung, Brothers John Wayne Sealy and Charlie Zinante. He is survived by siblings Fred Hardung (wife Wanda); Judy Brock (husband Lynn); Bobby Sealy (wife Marilyn); Melodie Claussen (husband Donny); and Shelia Sievers (husband Jeff). Jerry was diagnosed with Leukemia in July, 2014 after returning from the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He received chemotherapy in Clear Lake for almost a year and under went a stem cell transplant in July, 2015 at Houston Methodist. Mary wants to recognize Dr. George Carrum and his team of Doctors for Jerry’s care. She would like to thank all of Jerry’s caregivers: Delia and Serena from the Oncology Clinic; Kathy and Debby at the Infusion Center at Clear Lake Regional Hospital and the numerous nurses and staff at Houston Methodist Pre and Post Transplant Floor. To the many nurses and staff at the Outpatient Clinic at Houston Methodist hospital. Special thanks to the Nurse Practitioner at Audrey and Kgoc. Can’t say enough for the outpatient clinic nurses who gave their all. Beverly, Brandon, Ivory, Crystal and too many others to name. Thanks to Vitas Healthcare and Nurse Laura. Jerry fought a courageous battle and will be missed by all but he knew “when to holdem and knew when to foldem”. Plans are being taken care of by Clayton Funeral Home in Pearland, TX. Jerry chose to be cremated and no services will be planned per his wishes.