William E. "Bill" Gergen

William Eugene Gergen was born to Harold William & R. Maxine (Cook) Gergen on February 13, 1949 in Hebron, Nebraska. He died on September 12, 2025 at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age 76 years, 6 months, and 30 days. Bill, as he was affectionately known, was raised on the family farm southeast of Geneva. He graduated from Geneva Public School with the class of 1967. He furthered his education earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Bill began his life-long journey showing sheep in 1963. It was a labor of love that resulted in numerous awards over the years including 2004 National Champion Shropshire, 2007 Reserve Grand Champion at Shropshire Nationals, 2008 Reserve Junior Champion Suffolk Ram, and 2018 Final Drive Grand Champion overall Suffolk Ram and best headed Suffolk Ram. Final Drive was one of his greatest accomplishments in breeding and raising sheep, and it was a fitting award as it was his last year on the sheep showing circuit. Bill’s passion was to mentor youth in the sheep industry. He crossed the country numerous times to many state fairs with over 8 different breeds of sheep. He truly cared for his sponsors that allowed him to show their sheep and become part of their families. Bill loved the life he led and had no regrets about it. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Maxine and twin brothers, Paul & Howard Gergen. He is survived by his sister, Virginia Gergen of Geneva, Nebraska and his adopted sheep-son, Noel Olson and wife Shannon of Warner, Oklahoma. A Graveside Service for Bill was held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska. Father Harlan Waskowiak presided over the Graveside Service. The songs “The Gambler,” “Angels Too Close To The Ground,” “God Bless The USA,” and "On The Road Again” were played during the Graveside Service. Pallbearers included Noel Olson, Carl Olson, Darin Engle, Travis Snyder, Tom Willwerth, and Tom Gillmore. Honorary Pallbearers included Terry Schrick, Roger Snyder, Chris Nun, Dakota Nun, Blake Nun, Caleb Nun, Steve George, George Hornberger, Jerry Engle, Joyce Burhnam, Tom Swearingen, Rocky Swearingen, Rich Gillmore, Mike Mann, Rodney Martin, Donnie Sellers, and Nolan O’Brien. 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 family for future designation.

Tributes

William E. "Bill" Gergen

February 13, 1949 - September 12, 2025