Born in Seward, Nebraska, on December 6, 1947. Gary graduated from Kearney State College in 1971. He began his love for farming by working for Al Wink in Kearney, Nebraska through college before moving to Lincoln, where he spent the rest of his life. For 40 years, Gary was dedicated to Pathology Medical Services as a Financial Controller.
A survivor of the 1952 polio epidemic, Gary never let his physical challenges slow him down. He learned to water ski, snow ski, play racquetball, golf and was always committed to his daughters’ activities and family togetherness.
Gary and his wife, Deb, built a wonderful life together in Lincoln’s Eastridge community, where they lived together for 48 years. He nurtured many neighborhood relationships by always being the one to call to lend a helping hand, whether it was to shovel snow or help build a shed.
He loved his time at the farm in Gosper County, Nebraska and in Nevis, Minnesota. During his retirement, he found joy working with the Companeros family and his Owl Lake community. He found his spirituality in nature – hunting and fishing, crane watching, the loons and swans on Owl Lake, and cruising the backroads of Nebraska. He loved teaching and playing cards and games with his kids and grandkids. He was endlessly helpful – never afraid to take on a project, whether it was fixing a leaky faucet or refinishing antique furniture.
Gary was “Dad” to his 3J’s, his sons-in-law, and “stand-in-Dad” for others. Gary will be remembered for his steady kindness, resourcefulness, and deep devotion to his family and friends.
Services to celebrate Gary will be Friday, October 24, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at First Plymouth Church 2000 D Street Lincoln, NE.
In recognition of some of Gary’s special charities, memorials can be directed to Tabitha Meals on Wheels or Mourning Hope or humanitarian of charities of your choice.