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Marvin Itzen recalled the following biographical information about his pal Gerry Hergenrader, a “just plain wonderful guy.” Born May 15, 1943, Gerry stayed in Lincoln and never married, living in the family home at First & G until he died October 24, 1998. Gerry had one sister, Janet Hergenrader Riefschneider (LHS ’59), who died almost exactly one year after Gerry on 10/19/99. Jan had a daughter, Stacy Paul, and a son Henry. Gerry was very close to both Jan and Stacy.
All through high school, Gerry worked with Henry Steinhaur at Henry's father’s service station at about 14 & P. After graduation he worked for Lincoln Steel as a welder. In later years, Gerry managed the U-Stop gas station at 10th & “J” street, across from the County City building. Working at this location, Gerry got acquainted with many people in Lincoln. He knew all his customers whether big or small, from Johnny “Cash” Austin to Nebraska Legislator, Ernie Chambers. After he lost his leg and several toes to diabetes, he had other health problems and eventually became disabled in the ten years preceding his death. Gerry is buried at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.
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Rosemarie Jacobs (Magee)
Gerry was one of the kids on the block - he lived on West G and I lived on West F - both of us west of 1st Street. We went through Park Elementary, Everett Jr Hi and then LHS. Our childhood days included Sunday School at 1st German Congregational Church at 1st and F streets; riding bikes (but not allowed to go past the train tracks at 1st & F !); hide and seek on the banks of Salt Creek (of course we were NEVER in the sand caves on the shoreline!!) Grew up together in the good old days when kids could stay out after dark, know we were being 'watched' by the neighborhood grandma's at all times, and climbed trees, scraped knees, and laughed a lot!! He had the most infectious laugh as a kid! Thanks, Gerry, for being a great childhood pal! Walking to Park School together brings back lots of memories! You will always be missed!Marvin L. Itzen
This one is still hard. I met Gerry at Everett Jr. Hi & we remained good friends to his passing.When I was in town I would stop & see him at whatever U Save station he was managing. He would tell me the latest John Austin story,John was a regular,or who had been in. The man knew everybody. Then it would drift to the stuff we had done. His favorite was crossing Salt Creek in my old Chevy. Not on the bridge, the other way. You know, down one bank through the water up the other side. There were bridges but for reasons that now escape me we chose not to use them. Then he would laugh and describe the mud & water & so on. Rosemarie was right on about his laugh it was full body.
In later years his health kept him from working so he was at home a lot. On weekends we would load our bikes & come to Gerry's house. After a short bull session we would go ride around Lincoln then come back & eat with Gerry before going back home.
It's a crime that this man did not have kids. He loved playing with my kids. We still have a picture of Gerry in his easy chair & Ty about 1 yr. sound asleep on his chest.
Gerry was a soft hearted honest funny lovable big great guy. I sure miss him & we still look over at the house when we go down the bypass.