Paul "Jerry" LaVigne

   Paul Gerald LaVigne, one of two sons born to Paul Raymond and Mildred (Lockwood) LaVigne, was born December 3, 1940, in Auburn, Nebraska.  He attended school in Brock and Tekamah, Nebraska, and graduated from Brock High School.  Jerry, as he was known throughout his life, loved sports in school, and excelled in football, basketball, and track.

   On February 1, 1960, Jerry was united in marriage to Bette Epler in Fairbury, Nebraska.  The couple lived in the Julian and Brock area, and were blessed with two children, Todd and Kimberly.

   Jerry worked at Allied Chemical in Omaha for 13 years and was at Cooper Nuclear Station for 31 years.  He retired in 2004 as a station operator.  He farmed in addition to working these other jobs.

   Jerry attended the Auburn Christian Church and was a member of the Brock Volunteer Fire Department.  He served on the Brock Village Board and coached baseball in his younger years. 

   A true family man, Jerry’s favorite pastime was attending activities of his kids and grandkids.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, music, and watching Westerns on TV.  Jerry was a big fan of Husker football and volleyball, he and Bette had season tickets for both sports for many years.  The couple enjoyed travelling together as well, Alaska, Maine, and Kentucky were among Jerry’s favorites.

   As Jerry’s health began to deteriorate, he was able to stay at his home with help from Bette and other family members.  He became a resident of Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in late August of 2023.  It was at Good Sam that Jerry passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, nine months past his 82^nd birthday.  His parents, brother and sister-in-law Clyle and Erma Faye LaVigne, sister-in-law Marietta Epler, and brothers-in-law John Epler and Roger Clarke preceded him in death.

   Jerry is remembered with love by his wife Bette of Brock; son and daughter-in-law Todd and Stacy LaVigne of Lincoln; daughter Kimberly Comstock of Brock; grandchildren Megan (Sean) Hanson, Alexis (Tyler) Hahn, and Kendall (Destin) Sombke; great grandchildren Emmett, Gavin, Aiyah, Betsy, Wells, and one on the way; brothers- and sisters-in-law Dale Epler, Joe and Linda Epler, Nancy Clarke, Carol and Sid Bruggeman, and Mary Lilly; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.    

   A funeral service will be Friday, September 8, 10:30 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn.  Burial will follow in Glenrock Cemetery near Brock.  Visitation will be Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.    

   Memorials are suggested to Auburn Christian Church.