Gerald Dean Wacker

Walthill, Neb. - Gerald Dean Wacker, 70, of Walthill, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at a Sioux City hospital following an accident in Sioux City.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Good News Baptist Church, 3200 West 19th Street, in Sioux City. Private family graveside services will be in Wayne, Neb. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent at www.christysmith.com .
Gerald was born on Aug. 9, 1943, to Clyde and Ruby (Harper) Wacker, in Wayne, Neb.
He married Sharon La Rae Cross on Oct. 15, 1960, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The couple had five children. They lived in Omaha before moving to rural Rosalie, Neb., and later to rural Walthill. Gerald farmed and worked as a machinist for Omahaline Hydraulics for more than 33 years.
He retired in 2006 to farm, pursue hobbies and travel with Sharon. They favored Panama City Beach, Fla., spending winter time there for 10 years. They traveled all over the U.S. visiting family and following the Nebraska Huskers to both coasts for bowl games. Gerald was a member of Good News Baptist Church in Sioux City.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sharon; five children, Colleen (Jim) Swanson of East Elmhurst, N.Y., Jeff Wacker, Richard (Kathy) Wacker, Cheryl (Kerry) Milner, and Corey (Rebekah) Wacker, all of Sioux City; his mother, Ruby (Aaron) Laurent of Las Vegas, Nev.; his siblings, Deanna (Marvin) Sharon of Las Vegas, Beverly (Ron) Boecker of Omaha, and David Wacker of Gretna, Neb.; 20 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His father and stepmother, Clyde and Lee Wacker preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family will forward donations to Slavic Gospel Association, or may be done directly via www.sga.org .