Roger Leo Gergen

Roger L. Gergen was born to Ben and Leita (Goesch) Gergen on September 30, 1933 on a farm near Shickley, Nebraska. He passed away on October 1, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years and one day. He was the second of four children in the family. Roger was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Shickley, Nebraska (Turkey Creek). Roger spent most of his life in the Shickley area and attended country school and Shickley Public School. He graduated from Shickley High School in 1950. After graduating, he continued to live and work on the family farm. Roger farmed with his dad for a number of years. After his dad passed, Roger continued to farm. Roger was drafted into the Army in 1956. He got on a bus in Geneva, Nebraska, and was taken to Fort Omaha. From there, he was sent to Fort Chafee, Arkansas, and then on to Fort Carson, Colorado. After finishing basic training at Fort Carson, he was put on a troop train to New York City. In New York City, he boarded the USNS Geiger transport ship. Roger served in the 12th Engineering Battalion and was stationed at William O. Darby Military Base in Furth-Nurnberg, Germany. Roger was released from active military service in 1958. Roger was presented with the Quilt of Valor in July 2021 during the dedication of the 50 Flags Veterans Memorial in Shickley. He was so appreciative to be recognized for his military service. This gave Roger some time to remember his journey from Shickley, Nebraska to Germany. Here is his memory of shipping out: “As the ship left port in New York City, it sailed by the Statue of Liberty and there was a band on Liberty Island playing patriotic songs. As 18–20-year-old men, we immediately forgot to be worried about being seasick or scared of all the unknowns that awaited us. We were just proud to be serving our country.” That feeling was short-lived, as the ship encountered a tropical storm during its first two days and nights at sea. Waves as high as 50 feet came crashing into the ship, so no one was allowed up on deck. Roger says he wouldn’t have minded that so much if he hadn’t had so many fellow crewmen getting seasick. The trip lasted 14 days. Roger worked at Shickley Grain part-time and full-time from 1995 to 2008. This kept him attached to his farming roots. Sunday was set aside as ‘family’ day. On this day, farming was kept to a minimum and time was spent at home with family. A typical ‘family’ day was a big lunch, catching up on what happened during the week then the fun began (playing wiffleball, horseshoes, card games, board games). It was easy to tell when Roger had good cards, his eyebrows would twitch. He was always looking for a way to win whatever game was played. Church continued to be a top priority on Sunday morning. Even after he was unable to attend mass in person, he watched the Mass for Shut-Ins on TV. Roger would always be seeking out how things were built and how they operated. Watching “How It’s Made” on the Science (SCI) channel on Sunday mornings was his favorite source. After Roger completely retired, he travelled to numerous places such as: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Colorado, Branson, Mount Rushmore, and any roadside attraction that he saw. If there was a train available at any of the places he visited, he had to ride it: Grand Canyon Railroad, Pikes Peak Cog Train, Royal Gorge Railroad, Black Hills Railroad. When in Branson he enjoyed: Riding the Ducks, Titanic display, Dolly Stampede, Red Skelton impersonator. Any place that Roger visited, he would need to get souvenirs. During the summer months, he would attend car races at McCool Junction, Deshler, Beatrice, Ashland/Greenwood, Omaha, Rising City and any other location that he knew was having races. Roger was always a loyal supporter of all sports for the Shickley Longhorns and the BDS Eagles. Even after coming to Omaha, he continued to follow the teams in the daily newspaper, online, or on the local TV sports channels. He was extremely proud when they made it to the state tournament. He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Leita Gergen; brothers Wayne and Richard Gergen; and brother-in-law Laurence Bauer. Roger is survived by his sister Ethel Bauer of Geneva; sister-in-law Janet Gergen of Lincoln; nieces Becky Bauer of Omaha, Vickey Bauer of Hastings, Audrey Bauer of Hastings, Denise Schropfer of Geneva, and Roxanne Plummer of Lincoln; nephews Todd Bauer of Geneva and Stanley Bauer of Omaha; one great niece, two great nephews, and two great-great nieces. Roger will be truly missed by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial for Roger was held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. A Rosary was prayed at 10:00 a.m., prior to the Mass. Father Harlan Waskowiak presided over the services. Carol Grote was the organist and Pat Mau was the cantor. The hymns included “The Old Rugged Cross,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Amazing Grace,” “Song Of Farewell.” Pallbearers included Stan Bauer, Tyler Weis, Steve Kamler, Pat Kamler, Bill Grote, and Dale Elznic. Honorary Pallbearers included Nathan Schropfer, Larry Carlson, and Todd Bauer. A Graveside Service with Military Honors was held in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Honors were provided by the Shickley American Legion Post 164, The Shickley American Legion Sons of the Legion, and Nebraska Military Honor Guard. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery improvements.

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Roger Leo Gergen

September 30, 1933 - October 1, 2024