Gerald Dean Poppe, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 6th at CHI Health St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Born June 29, 1937 in Fairbury, NE, Gerald graduated from Fairbury High School and continued his education at Fairbury College. He married his lifelong partner, Lois Schnuelle on August 10, 1958.
Gerald's love of sports began while participating in track and field and playing basketball throughout high school and into college. He continued playing in recreational basketball and slow-pitch softball leagues and pitching horseshoes for many years. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially Husker sports. More recently, he was able to attend many College World Series games with his son, Dean. He was an accomplished amateur woodworker as well as an electronics hobbyist, and could sometimes be coaxed into playing his harmonica, which he did beautifully and entirely by ear. It's not always easy to find photos of him because he loved to take them. From having his own darkroom to organizing all the photos from his recent trip to Ireland, it was a hobby for a lifetime.
Gerald was committed to actively supporting his wife, Lois, in her various activities including her private pre-school (Little Red Bell Pre-School) for 25 years; her decade as Director of Lincoln Literacy; and her work with the Lincoln/Lancaster County League of Women Voters.
He served as church treasurer along with other leadership roles and committees in his churches. Along with Lois, he volunteered to provide Disaster Child Care with the Red Cross at various locations and in New York City after 9/11.
Gerald and Lois acted as Ushers, Aisle Managers and Floor Managers at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln ever since it's initial season. They were also actively involved with the local Ten Thousand Villages shop since 1983.
Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Lois (Schnuelle) Poppe, his parents, (Henry Carl) Lester and Violet May (Linson) Poppe; siblings: Harold, Lois and Vernon.
He is survived by his children: Debbie (Charlie) Schroeder, Dean (Donna) Poppe, Darcie Olsen; grandson, Luke (Katie) Poppe and his brother Orville Poppe of Marlinton, WV.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive, Lincoln, NE 68510. Funeral service will be Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Eastridge Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will be livestreamed through Facebook or YouTube channel of Eastridge Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will occur Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Park, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name to Lincoln Literacy or Eastridge Presbyterian Church.
