Charles 'Chuck" Gering

June 2, 1947 - December 5, 2017

CHARLES MARSHAL 'CHUCK' GERING, age 70, passed away on December 5, 2017 at his home in Torrington, Wyoming. A celebration of his life will be held in Torrington, Wyoming on Tuesday, December 12th at 1:00 p.m. at the Colyer Funeral Home Chapel followed by a reception at the American Legion. A memorial service will held later in Hay Springs, Nebraska where he will be laid to rest on December 23rd. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Waggin’ Tails Animal Shelter or the American Legion Post #5 both in Torrington. Chuck was born on June 2, 1947 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He was the first of nine children born to Dale and Patricia (Dayton) Gering of Gering, Nebraska. His first two years were spent on the farm in Gering where his Dad helped his Grandfather, Charles Gering with the farming. He moved with his parents and younger sister to a farm on Mirage Flats in 1949. He spent his formative years on the farm, attending District 30 School from first through eighth grade, playing baseball on a team coached by his Dad and helping on the farm. After graduating from Hay Springs High School in 1965 he joined the Navy and served his country for four years. He was married to Judith Terrell (Swan) from 1967 until 1976 during which time four daughters were born. Heidi, Heather, Holly and Hope. Chuck worked for the Veterans Administration in Gering after being discharged from the Navy. He was active in the American Legion and served as Post Commander in Gering in 1972. He started his career with the telephone company in 1973 and after several out of state transfers he moved his family to Torrington, Wyoming and worked for the phone company until his retirement in 2014. He enjoyed his career as a cable splicer and was a valuable and dedicated worker. He was married to Lani Kroenlein of Torrington from 1977 until 1992. Then in 2012 he met Karen (Kilgore) Murphy and found that they had many common interests. He and Karen were married on December 13, 2014. Chuck and Karen took great pride in their yard and the beautiful flowers they raised. Chuck loved to play cards and socialize with his friends at the Highway Bar. He was an active member of the American Legion, Moose and Elks Lodge. He enjoyed watching and attending sporting events…especially the Huskers, Broncos and Rockies. Those left to mourn his passing are his wife Karen, his Mother, Pat Gering of Hay Springs, NE, sisters Cretia (Dave) Hadley of San Diego, CA, Cinda (Dennis) Koinzan of Stromsburg, NE, Lori Heiting (Tim) McClaren of Hay Springs, NE, brothers Brad (Debbie) Gering of Alliance, NE, Marc Gering of Chadron, NE, Mike (Jennifer) Gering of Whitney, NE, Troy (John) Gering of London, England. He is also survived by his daughters Heidi Pearson and Holly Danzler both of San Diego, CA, Heather Menard of Saskatchewan, Canada, Hope (Brian) Specht of Hemingford, NE, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as his step-children Megan (Beau) Rourke of Gillette, WY and Brendan Murphy of Cheyenne, WY, numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. And his beloved dogs, Puck and Bella. Chuck was preceded in death by his Grandparents Charles and Pansy Gering, Russell Dayton and Ruth Dayton, his father Dale Gering, his younger brother Douglas Gering, his nieces Nikki and Kami Koinzan and his brother-in-law, Tim Heiting.