Jerome “Jerry”Wayne Kahanek of Pearland passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Funeral services were private.
Born in Schulenburg on March 12,1939, he was the son of Jerome and Ida Schramek Kahanek. He married Rennie Rikard in Schulenburg in 1961. She preceded him in death on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.
He graduated from Schulenburg High School before attending Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in physics. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After completing his military service, Jerome began a career with NASA that spanned more than three decades. As an aerospace engineer, he contributed to the Gemini and Apollo spaceflight programs.
Survivors include two daughters, Laura Kahanek and Liz Martin; a sister, Doris Harvey; and one grandchild.