Gerald began his career as a school teacher, teaching high school math in Edison NE. He returned to college and graduated with a chemistry degree. He worked at Dorsey Labs in Lincoln NE. He returned once again to college and graduated with his pharmacology degree. He began his pharmacy career at Four Star Drug, Lincoln NE. Gerry and Betty lived in Lincoln until 1979, when they moved to Chadron, NE. Gerald was a Pharmacist for over 50 years, 43 of those years in Chadron, NE.
Gerry was a member of First Congregational Church of Chadron. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He loved rifle competitions and taught his girls, grandchildren and great grandchildren how to shoot. He enjoyed having .22 rifle shoots with the family.
Gerry was a member of the Bordeaux Creek Fur Trade & Muzzle Loaders Association. They loved participating in the annual Fur Trade Days, staying in their Teepee, and competing in the rifle matches. Gerry loved woodworking, and handmade many of the treasured rifles for his family.
Gerry and Betty were members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club. They road their bikes to 38 states, Canada and Mexico. They also traveled extensively both internationally and nationally. They enjoyed spending a few weeks each year, birdwatching in Madera Canyon, Arizona. They also made an annual trip to Park Rapids Minnesota to spend time fishing with 4 generations of family. He loved living in the Northwestern corner of Nebraska and spending time in the Pine Ridge area. They moved back to eastern Nebraska, Wahoo in 2022, to be closer to their family.
Gerry is survived by his beloved wife Betty; daughters Susan (Gary) Olson and Pat (Larry) Heyen; granddaughters Natalie (Matt) Echtenkamp, Miranda (Jeff) Kliment, Anessa Olson, Mischa (Aditya) Vaidyanathan and grandson Patrick (Jenna) Heyen; great grandchildren Ben & Morgan Kliment, Oliver & Lucy Echtenkamp and William, Reid & Cole Heyen; brother-in-law Dale (Beth) Van Gent, sister-in-law Mary Ann Hill; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, 3 infant brothers and brother-in-law Don Hill.
Celebration of Life to be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 8, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 827 County Road 18, Wahoo, NE, 68066.
Memorials may be designated to the First Congregational Church of Chadron, 370 Chadron Ave., Chadron, NE, 69337, or a memorial of your choice.