Gerald W. Meyer
September 18, 1916 - November 21, 2013
Gerald William ("Gerry") Meyer, 97, of Fremont, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2013 at Southlake Village in Lincoln. He was born September 18, 1916 in Hooper, Nebraska to Herman and Sophie Wobken Meyer. He was the 11th of 12 children, growing up with five older brothers, five older sisters, and one younger sister.
He became the first member of his family to attend college, graduating from Midland Lutheran College in 1938. While at Midland, he participated in football, basketball, as well as other activities. He also gained the nickname "Moose," by which he was thereafter known to many of his friends.
While taking summer school classes at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, he met Mildred Ruth Clauson. They were married in Aledo, Illinois on July 15, 1941, and celebrated 72 happy years together this summer.
Before coming to Fremont in 1946, he held teaching, coaching and principal positions at McCool Junction and Pender, Nebraska. His career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a Ground Training instructor for the United States Navy at its base in Pensacola, Florida. After the war, he came to Fremont High School, serving initially as a mathematics teacher and coach. He was promoted to Assistant Principal in 1949 and Principal in 1951. He served in the latter capacity for 24 years, until 1975. He spent the last seven years of his career as the Assistant Superintendent, before retiring in 1982.
In addition to his professional activities, he was active in a variety of community organizations. He was a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Kiwanis Club, and the Rod and Gun Club. He was a Life Member the National Education Association and a member of the Nebraska Association of School Administrators. He was a longtime member of Salem Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council as well as a variety of other positions.
An avid sportsman, Gerry enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. He was elected to the Midland Warrior Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 and received the Distinguished Midland Alumni Award in 2001.
He is survived by Millie Meyer, his wife 72 years; his son Chris and wife Janet Jorgensen of Sarasota, Florida; by his son Dan and wife Debra of Manchester, Iowa and by his daughter Ann Woerth and husband Lyle of Lincoln, Nebraska. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kate Huckelbridge and husband Craig of Oakland, California; Stacy Meyer of Portland, Oregon; Jon Meyer and wife Jennifer of Cleveland, Ohio; Robert Meyer of Washington DC; Emily and Scott Meyer of Iowa City, Iowa; and Karl and Christopher Woerth of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, he is survived by great-grandchildren Jennah Meyer, Lila Huckelbridge, Brynn Huckelbridge and Haines Huckelbridge. Of his 11 siblings, he is survived only by his younger sister Lois Bowman of Hooper, Nebraska.
Funeral services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church, 401 East Military Avenue, Fremont Nebraska, on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:30 am. Internment will take place immediately following the service at Memorial Cemetery, 800 West 23rd Street, Fremont, Nebraska. Luncheon at Salem, following the graveside service. Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Ludvigsen's Mortuary, 1249 East 23rd Street, Fremont, Nebraska from 2:00-6:00 with family present from 3:00-5:00pm.
Memorials are suggested to Salem Lutheran Church or Fremont Public Schools Foundation.
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