Gerald “Jerry” Dale Hemphill, of Utica, was born Feb. 20, 1942, to Dale and Deloris (Landenberger) Hemphill in Utica.
He graduated from Seward High School in 1960. After high school, he went to work for his Uncle Don, who taught him the trade of electrician. On July 13, 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Lyn Dittmar in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Jerry worked at UNL for several years as a maintenance electrician before starting at Tenneco Automotive as the head of Preventative Maintenance Electrician, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement. Following his retirement, he worked for his son at Husker Headquarters in delivery and maintenance, which was a highlight for him as he got to talk with Husker fans. Jerry also attended auctioneer school and had his own auction business for several years, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
In his free time, he attended toy and coin auctions collecting toy tractors, coins, pop cans and salt and pepper shakers. Jerry also liked to do woodworking and gardening. He enjoyed watching and had a love for trains. Jerry liked dressing up like Santa and visiting people in the community. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending their events and recording them. He was very involved in his church and served on the administrative board. He also served on the Utica Village Board and was a member of Utica Fire and Rescue for 43 years, where he served as Fire Chief and EMT A/D. Jerry passed away Jan. 19, 2022, in Utica, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 30 days.
He is survived by his wife, Lyn Hemphill, Utica; children, Cheyenne Hemphill, Utica, Todd (Tammy) Hemphill, Utica; grandchildren, Brock Hemphill (fiancée, Christa Krolikowski), Kennedy (Brandon) McNeil, Connor Hemphill, Morgan Hemphill; siblings, Steve (Deb) Hemphill, Staplehurst, Jack Hemphill, Utica, Rick (Deb) Hemphill, Utica, and Vicki (Richard) Novak, Seward. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Deloris Hemphill; and brothers, Jimmy Lee Hemphill and Gene Hemphill.
Visitation is from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Volzke Funeral Home in Seward. A memorial service is at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the United Methodist Church in Utica with a private committal at the Utica Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
