Gerald Ralph Eigsti, the son of Ralph and Leota (Burney) Eigsti was born Feb. 15, 1939, in Milford, and passed away Nov. 28, 2025, in Sun City, Arizona, at the age of 86.
Gerald grew up in Milford and graduated from Milford Public High School in 1957. He was a proud member of the Nebraska National Guard for 26 years. He enjoyed working with his mother at North Side Café and his father at Subway Motors during his high school and college years. He received advanced degrees from UNL and Colorado State University.
Gerald married Pauline Stutzman on Sept. 8, 1962, and they resided in Milford, with Shelly being born in 1966. He worked at Cushman Motors as a cost accountant, then began his career at Southeast Community College holding several positions, ending with Career Placement Director. The placement office brought about many friendships with students and employers and respect for the national companies that hired ‘his’ students. He believed in the education students receive at SCC and promoted SCC throughout his life.
Gerald was a true Patriot. He believed in the US Constitution and the Bible. Gerald was actively involved in his Church and the Milford/Seward communities, serving on many national and local city boards, along with teaching Sunday School and the Men’s Ministries in church. Gerald’s most valued memories were his numerous trips to India and meeting Mother Teresa; a memory forever etched in his life.
His hobbies included spectator sports (Huskers), reading, gardening, raising canaries and his love of animals. In retirement, Gerald enjoyed wintering in Sun City. He was most proud of his four grandchildren and was often found transporting and attending all four of his grandkid's activities. He loved Pauline deeply. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Leota; and joined by his sister Naomi, five days after his passing.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline of Omaha; daughter, Shelly (Ray) Anderson, Omaha; grandchildren, Raymond IV of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Gabe (Devyn) Anderson, Omaha, Blakely, Omaha; Nicholas, Omaha, the Don Campbell family, the Richard Meyer family, the Bruce Stutzman family, and numerous family and friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 21, from 3 – 5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Seward.
A Celebration of Life service will be Monday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bellwood Mennonite Church. A private graveside service will be conducted at Blue Mound Cemetery, Milford, with full military rites. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gideon Bibles, Teen Challenge, AG World Mission – in care of the Wang’s.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremaion Services.
