John Gericke

John D. Gericke, 81

May 10, 1943 - September 21, 2024

GRAND ISLAND — John D. Gericke, 81, of Grand Island, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, at home with his family and his beloved dog by his side.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Curran Funeral Chapel. Mr. Gericke will be cremated following the visitation.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Curran Funeral Chapel with Pastor Robert Wheeler officiating. Inurnment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

You are encouraged to sign John's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

John Darrell Gericke was born to unknown parents on May 10, 1943, in Grand Island, Nebraska. When he was 2 days old, he was adopted by Richard and Lylas Gericke who loved and raised him as their own.

John attended schools in Grand Island including West Lawn Elementary, Walnut Junior High, and Grand Island Senior High School, graduating in 1961. He stayed close to several of his classmates throughout the years, meeting them for breakfast monthly until his health would not allow it. Gary Grunkemeyer of Bennington, Nebraska, and several classmates of his remained great friends all of his life.

John married Kay LePouce in 1961, and to this union two children were born, Sharon (Steve) Paulsell and Robert (Whitney), both of Columbia, Missouri. In 1969 John married Lynn Seymour. To this union two boys were born, Jason of Kansas City, and Justin (Beckie) of Torrington, Wyoming. And his third (and last!) marriage was to Patricia (Pat) Encinger in 1987. Pat had two boys from a previous marriage, Wes (Shayla) and Andy (Julie) Encinger, whom he loved dearly and raised as his own. John and Pat were married for over 37 years.

John was always a hard worker, beginning at the age of 13 at Liberty Cleaners in Grand Island. He also worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads for six years. He was drawn to Law Enforcement as his father was a Police Officer for the City of Grand Island. John was an officer in Grand Island from 1968 to 1972 then moved to Madison, Nebraska, where he was Assistant Police Chief.

He changed careers for a bit, moving to Chadron, Nebraska, and was employed as President for the Chadron Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in establishing Fur Trade Days and helped to promote The Fur Trade Museum in Chadron.

As his mother's health was declining, John moved back to Grand Island and was employed as the Director of Operations at Central Nebraska Goodwill in 1980, starting the day after the tornadoes hit Grand Island on June 4, 1980. He then went to work at Monfort as their first Purchasing Agent.

He had applied at the Grand Island Police Department and was re-hired in 1981. He was President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 24 for many of his years on the Department. John was a compassionate Police Officer, showing respect to everyone, even the people he had to take to jail.

He also had a great interest in safely riding motorcycles and established the first group in Nebraska of The Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (Blue Knights, Nebraska I) in Grand Island. He was president of this organization for 20 years. He met many good friends and saw a lot of the country in his travels with this group. His wife once told her mother that she was dating the president of a motorcycle gang who carried a gun all the time. Pat's mother nearly fainted (until she met him)! John retired from the Grand Island Police Department as a Detective in 2003.

After retiring, John was a member of the Grand Island City Council for eight years. He was among the 10 council members who voted to bring the State Fair to Grand Island, and he truly enjoyed the time that he served. He also worked a few part-time jobs for 20 years thereafter until his health would not allow it.

He was an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, a member of the Saddle Club, and a proud charter member of Blue Knights Nebraska I.

John leaves behind his wife, Pat; his children Sharon, Robert, Jason, Justin, Wes and Andy; along with 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; as well as his furry friend Louie.

John had a real soft spot in his heart for young children and the dogs in his life. He did not belong to a church, but strongly believed Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior.

John was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his first wife Kay; a baby brother Donald; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorials are suggested to the Voice for Companion Animals or to the family for designation at a later date.