Jerry Dean Rahmig, beloved husband, father, grandfather, carpenter, farmer, hog and cattle raiser passed away with family by his side at Skyview Nursing Home in Bridgeport, NE at the age of 83. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and orneriness that will be cherished by all who know him. Jerry was a devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Waneta, and a loving father to his two children, Debbie and Dean. He was affectionately known as “Poppy” by his grandchildren.
Jerry was born Nov. 7, 1940, in Scottsbluff, NE to Dorothy Lucille (Ostermiller) and Fred Rahmig. He attended school in Gering, NE until his junior year when he transferred to Hemingford, NE and graduated in 1959. He moved back to Gering and worked at Magnolia Industries building modular homes. He met Waneta Corren (Gilchriest) in Scottsbluff where she worked as a registered nurse. They were married on Feb. 6, 1966. They were blessed with a daughter, Debra Renee, and a son, Dean Allen. He took great pride in being a parent. His greatest pride and joy was being a grandfather, affectionately known by many as “Poppy.”
(an essay by grandson, Nate Rahmig, written as an assignment in high school)
One of my favorite childhood memories would have to be spending time with my daycare provider. My daycare provider was also my grandpa, also known to me as Poppy. Poppy lives in Bridgeport, Nebraska on a small farm just outside of Bridgeport. Around here people know this area as Northport. Poppy and I have a lot in common, we both love to be outside, and we also like to watch sports on the television. I have a lot of great memories with my grandpa.
My Grandpa or as we all call him “Poppy” or “Pops” is a very kind, generous, old man. He is bald, wears big, thick, rounded glasses from the 1940’s, and is wrinkled. His eyes are a hazel color, and he is in his mid 70’s. When he laughs, he snorts, he is a slow walker and walks with a limp. Poppy still loves farming, and he still cuts and bales hay. When I was little, I would ride beside him on the tractors. Even though we have had our differences he’s still my favorite person. When I was little, he took me wherever I wanted to go. My favorite places to go were Roy and Schmitti’s houses, and John Deere.
One of the things I remember doing with my grandpa is riding around the blooming purple alfalfa field with the aroma of fresh cut hay blowing in my face. We rode on a red 650cc Yamaha grizzly four-wheeler, or on faded green tractors. I would pretend that I was driving the machines around the field. Years have passed, and now that I am older, I am able to actually drive the machines around the small reddish brown brick homestead and help with any odd jobs such as harrowing the driveway and mowing the weeds and the lawn.
When I was three, I would go out to their house. My parents both had to work, and my grandpa watched me. He took me to Preschool every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:45 pm and picked me up after. We would go to John Deere and look at tractors and other implements. He would always say that I should buy him a tractor for his birthday, but I always said, “No grandpa.” When we walked slowly in the store to get a part for the 6410 or 2640 John Deere tractors, I would always run to the toy section and tell my grandpa that he should buy me one of the expensive toys such as a semi with tractors. Even the salespeople would say that he should buy his favorite grandson a John Deere tractor. He never did though. I wish I could go out there still every day and spend time with him, but all good times must come to an end.
As you can see, my grandpa and I have a good time together. When I’m out there I still sit and relax, watch tv, and drink a coke with my grandpa. As long as he and I are together, we will continue to do some of these fun things. I always look forward to going to my grandparents’ house when family is over or just going out there to be there.
Jerry will be missed by his wife, Waneta; his daughter Debbie and her husband Bryan; his son Dean and his wife Jackie; his grandchildren Kylee, Bryant (Buster), Braydon (Boone), Nate, Julia, Haden, and Kooper. Also surviving are his brothers Roger (Lou Anne) Rahmig, Loren (Asheesh) Stairs, and Curt (Jeanette) Stairs; brother-in-law Gaithel (Joyce) Gilchriest, sisters-in-law Star (Dickey) Sherrill, and Cindy (Monte) Brodbeck; plus many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; in-laws Eldon and Marge (Doud) Gilchriest; and infant grandson, Jaxen Dean Rahmig.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Oct. 25, 2024, at Bridgeport Church of Christ at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. The spreading of his ashes will follow at the farm, 10161 RD 94A. We invite family and friends to join us there for food, fellowship, and “Jerry” stories. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Jerry’s honor be made in care of his family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Jerry’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Bridgeport is entrusted with arrangements.