Dennis J. Kerger, 62, died on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at his home in Woodbine after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 12, 1961, in Lincoln, Neb., to John and Myra (Walker) Kerger. He grew up in Woodbine and attended the Woodbine school. Dennis joined the workforce, first at Foodland and then for 15 years at Tommy Gate. He then started working for himself as a carpenter and electrician. He was well known in the county for his beautiful craftsmanship. In 1980, Dennis was united in marriage to Jean Allen and they were married for 22 years. The couple were blessed with three children, Sarah, Matthew and Emily. In 2005, Dennis met the love of his life, Diane Mathison, and they have enjoyed 19 years together.
Dennis was a man of simple pleasures; whether it was boating on the Missouri River, taking trips to Canada to explore new horizons or gathering around bonfires, which only he could make, with friends and family. He also showcased his culinary talent by cooking the best fried fish anyone had ever tasted. His love for nature and adventure was evident in everything he did.
Dennis was preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by his fiancé, Diane Mathison of Woodbine; children, Sarah (Johnny) Johnsen of Logan, Matt (Betty) Kerger of Woodbine and Emily (Sam) Kurpgeweit of Omaha, Neb.; Diane’s children, Heath (Maddy) Brunow of Woodbine, Angie Brunow of Woodbine, Adam (Rebecca) Stegemann of Missouri and AJ (Danielle) Mathison of Omaha; grandchildren, Carey, Jordan, Cash, Lillian, Kailynn, Raegan, Cate, Jax, Abbigail, Brexley, Grayson and Huxton; parents, John and Myra Kerger of Woodbine; siblings, Terry Kerger of Woodbine, Jamie (Rich) Samuel of Omaha, Lisa (Randy) Vandemark of Woodbine and half-sister, Joyce (Monte) Isaacson of Carson; and many other relatives and friends.
A private family funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Daniel Robbins presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “Goodbye to Romance”, “When I get Where I’m Going” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. The honorary pallbearers were Carey Whitney, Lillian Kerger, Kailynn Patrick, Raegan Johnsen, Cate Brunow, Abbigail Johnsen, Brexley Kerger, Grayson Mathison and Huxton Kurpgeweit. The pallbearers were Jordan Kerger, Jax Johnsen, Cash Brunow, Johnny Johnsen, Sam Kurpgeweit, Heath Brunow, Terry Kerger and Randy Vandemark. Dennis’s final resting place is at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
