Gerald David Hemberger

Lifetime Juniata resident Gerald David “Gerry” Hemberger, 75, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his home with family by his side.

Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 7, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Assumption with Father Ryan Salisbury officiating. Burial with military rites by Juniata American Legion Post #365 will be at Assumption Cemetery in Assumption. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or ACS Hope Lodge, Omaha, NE. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Gerry’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

Gerry was born on May 4, 1950, to Albert and Marie (Parr) Hemberger in Hastings, NE. He was baptized and confirmed in the Assumption Catholic Church. He graduated from Kenesaw High School in 1968.

Gerry entered the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and was a jet engine mechanic on the flight line until 1972. He was stationed in several states and Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was called back to the family farm where he farmed for the next 47 years, where he enjoyed several years farming with his father and brother.

In 1977, Gerry married his best friend and love of his life, Deb Spencer, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings, NE. To this union two daughters were born, Amy and Jennifer. Gerry and Deb made their home on the family farm west of Juniata, NE where they made many memories and welcomed five grandchildren, Landon, Kaylin, Ella, Aurora, and Jack.

Gerry was a true farmer at heart and enjoyed camping and fishing throughout Nebraska State Parks and the occasional countryside drive with Deb. He cherished memories made hunting with his grandsons, sons-in-law, and longtime friend, Larry.

Gerry enjoyed working with his hands and was a true do-it-yourselfer. Always doing home projects and helping his daughters update their homes. He restored a 1956 Chevy car and an Oliver antique tractor.

Gerry and Deb shared a love of NASCAR racing and attended several Texas Motor Speedway races. He enjoyed watching Nebraska football and volleyball games and cheered for the Creighton Bluejays basketball team.

Gerry loved spending time with his grandkids. Golf cart and four-wheeler rides were a beloved tradition on the farm. He attended many of their school and sporting activities and was always proud of their accomplishments. Gerry was very intentional with each grandchild’s interest and enjoyed talking to them one on one. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Getrude (Richard) Kober, Albert Jr. (Madeline) Hemberger, Phyllis (James) Buckley, and Clyde (Janice) Hemberger; and in-laws, John & Shirley Spencer.

SURVIVORS: 
Wife of 48 years:
    Debra (Spencer) Hemberger – Juniata, NE
Daughters:
    Amy (Scott) Wyman – Waverly, NE 
    Jennifer (Andrew) Goetz – Waverly, NE 
Grandchildren:
    Landon Wyman, Ella Wyman & Aurora Wyman – Waverly, NE 
    Kaylin Goetz & Jack Goetz – Waverly, NE
Sister:
    Virginia (Kenneth) Peters – Hastings, NE 
Sister-in-law:
    Beckie Potts – Hastings, NE
Brother-in-law:
    John (Beckie) Spencer – Grand Island, NE 
Many Nieces & Nephews 
Beloved Dog:
    Beau