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Donald L. Gehrig

Donald L. Gehrig, age 68, of Sidney, NE passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 10, 2023. A Wake Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sidney, NE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father C.P. Varghese officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Adopt A Dog Animal Rescue 16724 US Hwy 30 Chappell, NE 69129, NE, The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street Lincoln, NE 68508, or donor's choice.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Tuesday from 1-5:00 P.M.

You may view Don's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Don's care and funeral arrangements.

Donald Leland Gehrig was born on October 30, 1954 in Sidney, NE. In his younger years, Don participated in Scouting & Civil Air Patrol and baseball.

He attended St. Pat's School until the end of 8th grade, then Sidney High School where he graduated in 1973.

From his teen years and beyond, he "liked the taste of beer and the social life it provided." Don attended Chadron State College for two years and graduated from Southern Illinois with a degree in Mortuary Science.

On July 27, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Julie Modlin. They built a life together in Sidney where Don shared the service of funeral director with his grandfather, William E. Gehrig and father, William "Bud" Gehrig. After 30+ years of service in the funeral business, Don sold the business in 2006. He worked part time at the City of Sidney, Cabela's Warehouse, and Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home before going full time with the City of Sidney at Greenwood Cemetery, where he retired on January 4, 2022.

Don was a member of the Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus, holding each of the offices and served as District Deputy for three years in the Panhandle. He was active in Oktoberfest planning for several years and served as president for two years. He also served as St. Patrick's Parish Council President for four years. He participated in Single Action Shooting Society competition for several years and the Boot Hill Committee. Don served as Panhandle District Funeral Directors Association President for one term and was part of the Cheyenne County Airport Authority for four years.

Don is survived by his wife of 48 years, Julie of Sidney, his daughters Jennifer and husband Scott Doyle of Casper, WY, Amy and husband Cory McManigal of Kimball, NE son Donald Kent Gehrig of Charleston, SC, grandsons DeLane Doyle, Philadelphia, PA, Broderick Doyle, Casper, WY, Toby McManigal, Laramie, WY, Tyler McManigal, Kimball, NE, Brayden Gehrig and Chase Gehrig, Charleston, SC, sister Patti Stearns and brother Bob Gehrig and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his grandparents, William E. and Hazel Gehrig, parents William E. "Bud" and Billie Jean (Breid) Gehrig, rainbow granddaughter, Taylor and numerous aunts and uncles.

 

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