Gerald Lee Stoddard, one of four children of Tyler Dean and Betty Catherine (Stiers) Stoddard, was born August 2, 1946 in Auburn, Nebraska. Gerald, or Red as he was known to many, grew up in Auburn and received his education from Auburn Public Schools, graduating high school in 1965.
Shortly after graduation, on September 15, 1965, Red enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam during the war, and was honorably discharged on August 28, 1969.
On July 3, 1978 Gerald was united in marriage to Shirley Puppe in Auburn. Gerald and Shirley were blessed with seven children: Vicki, Joyce, Sandra, Ed, Brian, Mike, and Marty.
Red worked in packing houses all his adult life, putting in 25 years service between Tyson Foods and the Excel packing plants.
Gerald loved to spend his free time hunting and fishing. He belonged to both the North American Hunting and North American Fishing Clubs.
On Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Gerald was rushed to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. He passed away there at the age of 65 years, 11 months, and 8 days. His parents, brother Paul, and grandson Brandon Lee Jones preceded him in death.
Gerald is survived by his wife Shirley of Auburn; children Vicki L. Reed of Council Bluffs, Joyce Jones and husband Robert Small of Claremore, OK, Sandra Murphy of Lincoln, Ed Jarrett of Julian, Brian Stoddard and wife Jennie of Lincoln, Mike Stoddard and wife Danni of Nebraska City, Marty Stoddard of Cozad; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother Mick and wife Lorinda Stoddard of Custer, SD; sister Beverly Denton; other relatives and friends.
Graveside funeral and committal services were Friday, July 13, 2012 at Sheridan West Cemetery near Auburn. Pallbearers were Brian Stoddard, Mike Stoddard, Marty Stoddard, Ed Jarrett, Bob Small, and Kevin Keithley. Graveside military honors were provided by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Navy Military Honors Team.