Gerald "Gary" Dean Werner, 84

Hastings resident Gerald “Gary” Dean Werner, 84, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and minister, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and family. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Clay Center Christian Church with Pastor Victor Knowles officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairfield Cemetery in Fairfield, NE. Visitation will be Friday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the Clay Center Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later. Gary was born on October 6, 1940, in a farmhouse near Deweese, Nebraska, to Edward and Iona (Warboys) Werner. Gerald—known to family and friends as Gary—was raised on the family farm, where he learned the values of responsibility and perseverance. Alongside his older brother Eddie, he began farm work at a young age, contributing to the daily life and operation of the farm and developing a deep work ethic that carried through his entire life. Gary graduated from Nelson High School and enrolled in the Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa. In Bible college, Gary discovered both his calling to ministry and the love of his life, Norma Holeman. The two married and built a life of shared faith and commitment, raising a family and serving side by side in churches throughout Kansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Indiana and Nebraska until Norma’s passing in 2017. A faithful minister of the gospel, Gary followed in the footsteps of his father, who preached for over 50 years at the church in Deweese. Gary continued this tradition of spiritual leadership, devoting much of his life to preaching, teaching, and mentoring others. In addition to his ministry, Gary also spent many productive years working as an industrial engineer at New Holland in Grand Island and Lexington, NE, as well as at Hesston / AGCO in Hesston, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; brothers, Ed, David, Billy and Timothy; and son, David. He is survived by his sister, Linda Fuelling; sisters-in-law, Sharon Werner and Jan Werner; daughter, Paula (Willie) Payne; sons, Tim (Sue) Werner, and Nate (Liz) Werner; grandchildren, Allyson (Jordan) McCurry, Anthony (Dawn) Payne, Travis Payne, Marissa and Keira Werner; great grandchildren, Caelan, Jordyn, Carmyn, and Evelyn Payne and Micah and Ruth McCurry; extended family, and many friends and fellow believers whose lives were touched by his example and service.

Tributes

Gerald "Gary" Dean Werner, 84

October 6, 1940 - July 26, 2025