Gerald "Jerry" Herbert Gottsch

Gerald “Jerry” H. Gottsch was born March 29, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska to Herbert and Alma (Anderson) Gottsch. Jerry grew up on the family farm east of Bennington and graduated from Bennington High School in 1956. Growing up, Jerry enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and running track, and was active in 4-H where he showed cattle and helped on the family dairy farm. Jerry married Doris Witt on April 27, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church, and to this union, four children were born: Debbie, Robert, Kenneth and Scott. Jerry and Doris raised their family on farms in the Bennington area before buying the farm north of town in 1971. Jerry worked as a carpenter building houses for a few years, then worked as a cabinet maker for Kruse Cabinet Shop, in Bennington. Though a skilled builder, Jerry also farmed, and in 1971, he gave up carpentry to farm full time, tending to his crops, livestock, and the kids’ various 4-H projects. In addition to his work, Jerry was active as a 4-H leader, a member of the Farm Bureau board, and served in various roles at St. John’s Lutheran Church, including being on the church council, the property committee, and assisting with the fellowship hall building the kitchen cabinets. Jerry was a loving and caring man. He was a hard worker and was dedicated and committed to whatever task was at hand but could be a bit stubborn at times. He was a fan of the Kansas City Royals, but his favorite teams to follow were the teams that his grandkids and great grandkids played on. He and Doris took part in golf and bowling leagues through the years and spent many winters in Texas. Jerry and Doris loved to travel, mostly to the western United States, and even was able to spend time in Alaska and Hawaii. He was a John Deere man and was highly knowledgeable about his tractors. He was proud of his antique tractors and watching the grandkids and kids driving the tractors in the parade. He loved playing cards every Tuesday and Thursday evening with friends and playing marbles with the grandkids and great grandkids and he took great pride in his family. Jerry passed away at Ridgewood Senior Living on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 88 years, 3 months, and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Alma, son Scott and sister Barbara Andersen. Jerry is survived by his wife Doris; daughter Debbie (Michael) Almquist of Bennington; sons: Robert (Jane) Gottsch of Bennington, and Kenneth Gottsch of Omaha; 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; 2 brothers; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Funeral services will be Monday, 10:30 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bennington. Interment at Evergreen Memorial Park in Omaha. Visitation Sunday from 4-7 PM at the church in Bennington. Memorials to the church or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Gerald "Jerry" Herbert Gottsch

March 29, 1938 - July 16, 2026