Gerald E. Silver

1927 - 2025

Gerald E. Silver

September 25, 1927 - January 17, 2025

A Memorial Service for Gerald E. Silver will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Daren Popple officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 and the United States Air Force Honors Team, at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

Gerald E. Silver, 97 years of age, of rural Funk, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Holdrege Memorial Homes, with his family by his side. Gerald was born on September 25, 1927, in Kearney County, Nebraska, north of Axtell, Nebraska, the eldest of three sons born to Daniel J. "Butch" and Viva A. (Nickel) Silver. He attended country school and then attended and graduated from Holdrege High School, with the class of 1945.

Following his education, Gerald enlisted into the United States Army Air Corps. He served in Korea as an airplane mechanic, working on P51 Mustangs. He enjoyed being able to participate in one of the Washington D.C. Hero Flight Tours in September 2009, along with 25 veterans from the area.

On February 12, 1955, Gerald was united in marriage to Laree Harman at the Methodist Church in Arapahoe, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Holdrege for a couple years and then moved to a farm north of Funk, where they lived for the last 65 years. They were blessed with two children: Robert and Carol.

Following his honorable discharge, Gerald returned to farming north of Funk. He had his own farming operation but he and his brother, George and their sons would combine together to bring in the harvest each fall. He never really retired, as he was still driving the combine at over 92 years of age.

Gerald enjoyed farming and passed the love of the land down to his family. His daily trip to the Funk coffee shop was something that he always enjoyed, and hardly missed. He was an avid reader, never putting down the daily newspapers until reading them front to back. He was the same way with books. When his eyesight began to fail, a few years ago, reading was something he missed greatly.

Gerald was also an insurance salesman for Farmers Mutual of Iowa Hail Insurance Company, from 1965 to 2020. He enjoyed getting together and serving his customers. He was a member of the ELKS, the Eagles; and served on the Funk CO-OP Board, and Funk School Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dale Silver and wife, Shirley; and George Silver; a nephew, Steve Silver; and two brothers-in-law: Laurel Upward; and Richard Andrews.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 69 years, Laree Silver of Holdrege Memorial Homes; their children: Robert Silver and his wife, Jill of Funk; and Carol Huston and her husband, Scott of Holdrege; four grandchildren: Andrea Silver of Lincoln, Nebraska; Benjamin Silver and his wife, Ashton of Holdrege; Ryan Huston and his fiancé, Sydnie Voichoskie of Holdrege; and Lauren Knuth and her husband, Connor of Holdrege; two great-grandchildren: Evee and Louie Silver of Holdrege; two sisters-in-law: Donna Silver of Holdrege; and Wyoma Andrews of Windsor, Colorado; along with nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

There will not be a Visitation, Viewing or Memorial Book Signing the evening prior to the memorial service.

A memorial has been established in Gerald's honor and kindly suggested to the family for future designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home