Gerald David Black

Gerald was born in May 1952 in Le Mars, Iowa, the oldest of three boys. He spent most of his childhood on a farm near Whiting, Iowa, and graduated from Whiting High School in 1971. During his school years, he loved playing football and running track - always joking that he wasn’t a sprinter but could handle the distance races. He liked to tell many stories about school, sports, and his family life on the farm. After high school, Gerald attended Grand Island School of Business, where he met Cindy, the love of his life. They married in 1973 and were blessed with one son, Dusty. Gerald began his career at a finance company in Fremont, Nebraska, working his way up to assistant manager and later managing offices in Lincoln, NE, and Council Bluffs, IA. He also worked at First National Bank repossessing cars and then moved into mortgage servicing for Rothschild Financial in Omaha - trading cars for houses, as he liked to say. Eventually, Gerald realized office work wasn’t his cup of tea. He co-founded a lawn service company that also painted houses and plowed snow. Around this time, Gerald became known as “Jerry” to his friends. Later, he joined the grounds department at Immanuel Hospital, where he learned commercial irrigation systems—a role that suited his love for working outdoors. Jerry enjoyed golf with the Immanuel Golf League at Benson Golf Course, though he often joked his game was mostly in the woods. He also played men’s slow-pitch softball and later co-ed softball with Cindy Jerry pitching and Cindy catching, a duo that became legendary among friends. Every fall, Jerry looked forward to deer hunting with “the guys,” and especially spending time with his son and grandson. He always came home with lots of stories & hunting antics that went on. Jerry really enjoyed every hunting trip. When Cindy’s job took them to St. Louis, Jerry joined the City of Chesterfield Parks Department as an irrigation specialist, thriving in a role that combined his skills and love for the outdoors. He retired in 2013 at age 61. In 2015, Gerald and Cindy returned to the Omaha area. One of Jerry’s greatest joys was picking up his grandkids and their friends from school, chatting it up with them on the way home. Gerald loved being part of the camping crew, with family and friends. Whether it was shooting the bull with everyone around the fire or soaking up the sun in his chair, camping gave him the opportunity to spend time with friends & their families. He liked to cheer on the “Camping Olympics” including games of cornhole and bottle frisbee. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Verle and Betty Black, and his brother Tim Black. He is survived by his wife Cindy; son Dusty and daughter-in-law Shelly; grandchildren Aiden and Mallorie; and his brother Ron Black. Jerry will be remembered for his humor, hard work, and love for family and friends. His stories, laughter, and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials suggested to the Nebraska Cancer Specialists.

Gerald David Black

May 15, 1952 - November 27, 2025