James D. "Jim" Gerloff

Guide Rock resident James D. “Jim” Gerloff, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, NE.

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday, November 7, at Butler Volland Chapel in Hastings. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 8, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings with Father Douglas Dietrich officiating. Burial with military rites by the Hastings Military Honor Guard will follow at Parkview Cemetery. Visitation will be 1–8 p.m. Friday, November 7, with family present 5–7 p.m., and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Ashley J. Kulwicki Scholarship Fund at Hastings Museum, St. Cecilia Catholic Church, or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Cloud, NE. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website. To view the service, go to Jim’s obituary and click the play button shown toward the bottom of the page. 

Jim was born July 2, 1944, in Hastings, NE, to Chris and Clara (Schmidt) Gerloff. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1963 and married the love of his life, Linda Havel, on September 25, 1965, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Shortly after, he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, achieving the rank of Specialist Fifth Class and earning membership in the Four Hundred Club for excellence in marksmanship and physical fitness. His military service instilled the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity that guided his life and shaped his family.

After his service, Jim began a 36-year career with Southern Power, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication until his retirement in 2004. Following retirement, Jim and Linda moved to Guide Rock, where they continued to work the farmstead, hosting countless family gatherings and creating the perfect backdrop for hunting and outdoor adventures.

Jim was happiest surrounded by family. He loved deer hunting with his two sons, cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events, and celebrating every one of his family’s accomplishments. He was endlessly proud of the family he and Linda built together.

Jim was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Hastings and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Cloud. He will be remembered for his devotion to faith, family, and hard work—and for the quiet strength and love he shared with all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Donna (Ken) Davidson, Barbara (John) Green, and Patricia; and granddaughter Ashley Kulwicki.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
    Linda Gerloff – Guide Rock, NE
Children & Spouses:
    Becki & Russ Kulwicki – Hastings, NE
    Jim Gerloff – Hastings, NE
    Jeff & Deb Gerloff – Juniata, NE
Grandchildren & Spouse:
    Jenna & Patrick Hermann – Hastings, NE 
    Shelby Gerloff – Hastings, NE
    Nick Kulwicki – Lincoln, NE
    Cody Gerloff – Hastings, NE
    Alivia Gerloff – Lincoln, NE 
Great-Grandson:
    Luka Hermann
Sister:
    Sherlyn Hartman – Nelson, NE
Several Nieces, Nephews, other extended family, and many friends