George Earl Yerger

George Earl Yerger, 84, of Hastings died on October 16, 2025, at his home. Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church in Hastings officiated by Pastor Ben Hanne. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

George was born on January 2, 1941, at the Scottsbluff Hospital to Joseph and Velma (Wathen) Yerger. He attended grade school in Henry, NE and graduated from high school in Torrington, WY in 1959. George played baseball in Henry as a young man and played football, basketball, and wrestled in high school. During high school he worked as a clerk at Anderson Grocery during the school year and as a ranch hand at Jay Em, WY during the summer. George attended Chadron State College and was a member of the Eagles football team and wrestling team. George received his Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1963, and his Master’s degree in 1970.

He married Jan Fetters of Lisco, NE, on December 17, 1961. Three girls were born to this union: Kimberly, Michele, and Staci. He taught high school and coached football, basketball, and track at Wallace, NE from 1963-1965. He taught, coached, and was principal at Crawford High School from 1965-1970. He was principal and athletic director at Leigh, NE from 1970-1974. In 1974, he became principal and athletic director in Grant, NE. He retired from education in 1998. George and Jan moved to Hastings, NE in 1999.

After retirement George had a handyman business that he operated for a number of years. George enjoyed bass fishing and drinking coffee with friends. George was able to go on eight mission trips to Tlancualpican, Mexico, with members of the church in Grant and Hastings. George was a member of the Henry United Methodist Church, the Grant United Methodist Church, and the Grace United Methodist Church of Hastings. He was a member of the Jaycees, Elks, Kiwanis, and several educational related organizations. He served on the Board of the NSIAA and the North Central State Committee.

George is survived by his daughters: Kimberly (Steve) Clouatre of North Platte, NE, Michele (Kent) Lawson of Norfolk, NE, Staci (Tim) Hajny of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Andrew and Angie Norman, Joel Norman, Max (Victoria) Clouatre, Brooke (Cletus) Woeppel, Lance Lawson, Sydney (Matt) Miller, Jordan Cain, Brett (Haylee) Dieken; and 11 great grandchildren; sister, Lois Youngs; brother-in-law, Carlos Hambleton; many nieces and nephews; and special friends: Sarah Fairbanks and Brad Reiner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 57 years, Jan; sister, Joyce Hambleton; and brother-in-law, Al Youngs.