Following his military service, he returned home and attended the Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska. Then he joined his father in the Eskilsen Furniture Store in downtown Fremont. Later, in the 1970's,
Gerald and his wife Ruth became owners of the store and operated it until 1986. From 1985 until 2009, Gerald and Ruth divided their time between Fremont, Wyoming, and Texas. Since 2009, they have remained in Fremont.
Gerald became a member of the Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15 A.F. & A.M. in 1955, Tangier Shrine Center in Omaha in 1961, and he was a member of the Oriental Band of the Shrine. He was also a member of the Arbor Vitae Chapter 92 Order of Eastern Star in Fremont. In Rawlins, Wyoming he was a member of Korein Shrine Temple where he was the Chief Potentate's Aid in 1991. He was also their Director of the Director's Staff, and he was a member of the Royal Order of Jester's in Wyoming. He was a 'Life Member' of the Elk's Lodge having joined in Fremont in 1956, and was the Exalted Ruler in 1966. He served as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1971. He was a National Ritual Judge, had been the State Ritual Chairman of the Elks, and had been a state trustee of the Elks. Gerald had been the Commodore of the Seminoe Boat Club in Wyoming and a board member of the boat club for 16 years.
Gerald was married on December 7, 1952 to Ruth Bockoven.
Survivors: wife Ruth
daughters Nanette and husband Dennis Rix of Fremont
Traci (Tank) and husband Cornell Hilgenkamp of Fremont (Woodcliff)
son Gerald and wife Patricia Eskilsen of Kennard
grandchildren Christian and wife Jessica Osborne of Chicago
Patrick and wife Cherish Osborne of St. Louis, MO
Aleasha and husband David Dryden of Arlington, Tyler Hilgenkamp of Fremont
sister Donna Freeman of Beatrice
brother Gunnard and wife Sue Eskilsen of Sacramento, Calif.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Gunnar and Jenny, and son-in-law Gary Osborne.
The funeral service will be 9:30 AM Saturday (May 11, 2003) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Scott Jensen. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Friday (May 10th) from 2 to 8 PM with a public Masonic Service at 7 PM. The family will be present after 6 PM.
Memorials are suggested to the University of Nebraska Medical Center Organ Donor Program in Omaha and to the Masonic-Eastern Home for Children in Fremont.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(11)
W.T. "Bill" Cooper
Barnwell, SC Tuesday, May 3, 2022 Fair winds and following seas sir. Your son Gerald was one of my best friends for many years. He spoke of you often and I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet you in person.Prayers out to the Eskilsen family
Scott Sorensen
Brentwood, CA Sunday, June 9, 2013 Nan, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers.Kevin Bailey
Lake forest, CA Tuesday, June 4, 2013 Nan, I'm sorry yo hear about your dad, he was good man. Please pass on my condolences to Ruth & Gerald.Will (and Rita) Stanley
, NV Saturday, May 11, 2013 Nan and family, Rita and I will keep you in our prayers. You have our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Dad. I only met him once at the store, but he seemed like a really nice guy. May God's love and grace comfort you at this trying time.melody eads
columbus, NE Friday, May 10, 2013 gerald just wanted to send prayers your way to your family and you.i just lost my sister on the 8th also.may you find comfort in the days ahead.Copper and Tara France
Rawlins, WY Friday, May 10, 2013 Ruth and Family,We want to express our sincere sympathay for the loss of Jerry. He was such a great person. Though he will be sorely missed, our memories with him will be cherished forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Copper and Tara France
Polly (thayer) Pope
Fremont, NE Friday, May 10, 2013 Dear Ruth, and family: I wish God's blessings to you now and always. There are many ways to remember your husband, father, in-law, grandfather... cherish each wonderful memory. There wasn't much Jerry didn't do (if he wanted to), and along with you, Ruth, you raised some great kids! You have so very many friends who love you all now and will give you strength in the days, months, years ahead. I personally never forget him!With deepest sympathy and much love,
Polly
Cindra
Omaha, NE Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Nan and Tami sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts are with you .chad and lisa Powell
Santa Fe, NM Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Dear Auntie Ruth and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. My Heart goes out to you all. I am so sorry I cant be with you during this sad time. I love you with all my heart.Rick & Marsha Myers
Fremont, NE Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Nan and family: You are in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. We are out of town and not able to join you on Friday evening or Saturday, but will be with you in spirit.Barry and Millie Becker
Burlington, KY Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Dearest Ruth and Family,Barry and I send you our sincerest condolences and will be keeping you and all of your family in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love and God's blessing,
Barry and Millie Becker