Jerry Wiggins

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Jerry E. Wiggins on October 4, 2024 at UNMC in Omaha, NE. Born on September 23, 1965, in Oshkosh, Nebraska, Jerry was raised north of Lisco before moving to a farm near Broadwater, where he began his education. He attended kindergarten and first grade in Broadwater before relocating to Bridgeport, where he graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1983.

In 1989, Jerry married Jolene McMillan, and together they welcomed two children, Janae and Jacey, who were the pride and joy of his life. He began his career in education and coaching at Anselmo-Merna High School before moving to Marysville, Kansas, in 1990, where he taught and coached for two years. He then relocated to Harvard, Nebraska, where he served in these roles for three years. Passionate about education, he earned his School Counseling Degree from the University of Nebraska - Kearney. His first school counseling job was in David City, Nebraska, before moving to Gothenburg in 1998, where he dedicated the next 26 years before retiring in June of 2024.

Jerry was a member of the Nebraska School Counseling Association, a board member for several years and 2017-2018 President. He was a member of the American School Counseling Association, Nebraska Coaches Association, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at University of Nebraska Kearney, Cozad Elk's Club Member and a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Gothenburg. Jerry was a passionate and dedicated football and wrestling coach for 38 years. He was a recipient of the Dawson Area Development ABLE Leadership Award.

Jerry has left behind a legacy of kindness and service. He dedicated his life to helping others and made a profound impact on his community. He was passionate about coaching and providing guidance to kids, instilling in them the values of hard work and perseverance. Jerry cherished time spent kayaking with his wife and family, creating lasting memories on the water. A skilled carpenter and enthusiastic tinkerer, he was always engaged in endless projects that showcased his creativity and craftsmanship. Jerry’s spirit of generosity and love will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jolene Wiggins; two daughters & sons-in-law, Janae (Zachary) Thomas, Jacey (Matthew) Person; grandson, Dexter Thomas and grandchild baby Person due in March; two brothers, Steve (Sue) Wiggins, Lee (Julie) Wiggins; two sisters, Dianne (Chad) Budge, Donna (Richard) Peetz; sister-in-law Linda Wiggins; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Gladys Wiggins, brother, Cleve Wiggins, sister-in-law, Debbie Wiggins, and niece, Joanna Wiggins.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present from 5:00-6:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1915 Ave J, Gothenburg, Nebraska, Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:30 pm with Father Joseph Ravi officiating with a Rosary prior at 2:00 pm.

Burial will follow in the Victoria Creek Cemetery, Anselmo, Nebraska.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Public Schools Foundation, 1322 Ave I, Gothenburg, NE, 69138.