Joseph Gerald Hergott Jr.

Joseph Gerald Hergott Jr. of Gilead, NE. the 5th child of Joseph G. and Beverly (Darling) Hergott, Sr. was born in Fairbury, NE. on October 10th, 1962. He departed this life late Sunday night, March 24, 2024, at Jefferson Community Health and Life in Fairbury, NE. He was 61 years old.

Joey grew up on a farm near Gilead, NE attending grades K-8 at Gilead Public School. He furthered his education in Hebron NE, attending grades 9-12 at Hebron High School, graduating with the class of 1980.

At an early age, it became apparent that he had a passion for farming. He worked on the family farm with his dad, from whom he learned all the practices and values he was known for. He started his own farming operation at age 18, growing it over the years. After his father retired, he moved back to the farm, which has been in the family for over 100 years. In the last several years, he was filled with pride when his eldest son, Tyler joined his farming operation.

On February 1st, 1991, he was joined in matrimony to the love of his life, Audra (Fisher). They were married for 6 years before welcoming their first child Tyler, followed by Jarod, and completing their family with the arrival of Libby. Joey loved his children, showing his love by attending their activities. Doing so brought great joy into his life. Joey was rarely seen without his loyal and loved sidekick, Mazy, Libby’s dog.

He was a valued and active community member. This included being the mayor of the Village of Gilead, a member of the Gilead Volunteer Fire Department for 23 years, 10 of which as fire chief, a member of the Thayer County Zoning Board, and attending NRD meetings with his dad.

Joey enjoyed many activities, all of which he preferred to do with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, pool, racing, hunting, camping, boating, golfing, and skiing. Joey enjoyed playing and teaching Pitch to whoever dared to join the game, vocalizing his opinions. He took part in many pool tournaments, as well as a pool league down in Kansas. He took great joy in playing pick-up games, as well as teaching others how to shoot pool. He sponsored several dirt track racecars and enjoyed attending races all over the country. He loved hunting so much, he went hunting on the day Jarod was born, and brought home the biggest buck of his life. It is proudly displayed in his shop to this day. Every summer Joey cherished going down to the lake and camping with his “Lake Family.” His favorite lake activities included sitting by the campfire, passing the pitcher of 63 Chevys, telling stories, water skiing, and going out on the water to boat and jet ski. Joey’s fondness for golfing took him to many different courses. He loved to golf in leagues and tournaments, having a special connection to the Doug Hergott Memorial, the Sydney Kenning Memorial, and the Gilead Volunteer Fire Department golf tournaments. In the colder months, Joey often traveled with family and friends to ski in the mountains, where he loved the thrill and challenge of testing his abilities on a black diamond trail.

He is preceded in death by his father; Joseph Gerald Hergott Sr., brother; Douglas Hergott, great-niece; Sydney Kenning, grandparents, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is survived by wife, Audra, of Gilead, NE; son Tyler (McKenna) Hergott and newborn grandson Liam Joseph of Hebron, NE; son Jarod (Emily) Hergott of Lincoln, NE; daughter Libby Hergott of Gilead, NE; mother Beverly Hergott of Hebron, NE; brothers Mark (Cindy) Hergott of Gilead, NE,  and Jon (Chieu) Hergott of Bellevue, WA; sisters Renee Zimmerman of Omaha, NE, Lori (Mike) Tinkham of Kearney, NE, and Debra (Alan) Kenning of Hebron, NE; sister-in-law Carla (Marty) Cline of Hebron, NE; aunt Suzie (Harold) Logan of Fairbury, NE; uncle Herb Jesse of Denver, CO; parents-in-law Robert (Kathy) Fisher of Hebron, NE; brothers-in-law Mike (Kari) Fisher of Fairbury, NE and Matt (Deb) Fisher of Omaha, NE; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hebron, with Father Major officiating.  Burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Hebron.  Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be on Sunday, March 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Price Funeral Home in Hebron.  A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home, following the Visitation.