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.
Condolences(9)
Larry Beaver
Gresham, OR Wednesday, January 15, 2014 To the Meyer Family. I'm so sorry to hear about Goose passing away while reading my "Tiger Tracks" today. I played footbal under Bob Farris and Goose in 1946, 47 and 48. My kid brother Joe played for the next 4 years. Joe and I along with all our other friends thought so highly of Goose; as a coach, teacher and a really fine man. He was an inspiration to me and I feel that I'm a better man having known and played under him. Sincere Regards and Best Wishes. Larry Beaver Class of 49.Ken Emry
Monument, CO Monday, December 2, 2013 Please accept my sympathy for the passing of Jerry. You have lost a great man but the world has gained an angel. Hope you are all well.Lois McMullen
Fremont,, NE Tuesday, November 26, 2013 To Millie and all the Meyer family--my sincere sympathy is offered to you. I am so glad that John and I were part of Gerry's years at Fremont High School. What a wonderful long life you and Gerry have had together, Millie. My thoughts, prayers, and love, LoisMike Funk
Fremont, TX Monday, November 25, 2013 Dear Chris, Dan & family...just got back in town and saw where your Father had passed. So very sorry I missed the funeral, and seeing you. He was a great guy that over the years had attended the FHS Hall of Fame banquets a couple of times and I was able to chat with him about days gone by. Give my condolences to Millie....Steve Westphal
Fremont, NE Sunday, November 24, 2013 Millie,Chris,Dan & Ann, Please accept my sympathies on the passing of "Moose". I always respected him and he was always very kind to me. He and I were friends following High School and he always smiled at me as was not always the case with a few other teachers. He will be missed by a great number of people. Take good care of your Mother.Steve Westplal.
N. Dwain Acker
Lincoln, NE Sunday, November 24, 2013 Meyer FamilyAnn Thank you for bringing your Mother & Father to our Class Reunion:Oct 2010. One can understand how both teams thought of him as "Moose"! We knew him as Teacher & Coach. Math was approriate for him, he personified the quote: "I like math, because you can "count" on numbers!" On & off the field, in class & out, in Church & on the street - we learned and knew we could count on your husband, father,& grand father. He was a Big Man from the inside out.
N. Dwain Acker, FHS Class 1950
Dolores Gaeth Bang
Fremont, NE Saturday, November 23, 2013 My sympathies to Millie and the family. I have many fond memories as a class of 1953 FHS student and for the many years since. "Gerry" had such a great recall of events and accomplishments of my family. It was remarkable! He loved people and they all loved him.Sandi Welsh
Dubuque, IA Saturday, November 23, 2013 Deb, Dan and family,Enjoy the memories you share as you reflect on the joy and guidance that Gerald has provided you for many years.
Sympathy from Northeast Iowa Community College nursing faculty.
Adelaide Low
Lincoln, NE Friday, November 22, 2013 I remember you well Jerry and your wife. You use to come to our class of 1948 class reunion's. Also you and I share relatives but not blood relatives. So many wonderful memories from long ago.