Gerald "Shorty" Steiger

Hastings resident Gerald Lynn “Shorty” Steiger, 82, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children. There will be no viewing or visitation.

Shorty was born September 21, 1935, in Grafton, NE to Max Steiger, Sr. and Frieda Issler. Gerald was the youngest boy of 14 children. Gerald served as a member of the U.S. Army, American Legion Post 60 in Sutton, NE, Elks Club Lodge 159, Eagles Club Aerie 592, V.F.W., D.A.V., Junior Old Timers Railroad Club, Masonic Lodge, and a Shriner member. Gerald was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grampy.

Shorty graduated from Sutton High School in 1953. Gerald traveled and worked construction until he met and married Eileen Wright on November 24, 1962. The couple lived in Hastings, NE until they moved to Beatrice, NE in 1972 after the closing of the Union Pacific train depot. Gerald lived in Beatrice until he retired from the railroad in 1997. Gerald and Eileen had two daughters, Jeri (Steiger) Hinrichs and Jani (Steiger) Nebitt. Gerald and Eileen were married for 25 years until Eileen’s death in July 1987.

Shorty was an avid sports enthusiast and traveled in his fifth wheel to places that were warm and had a major sports stadium. Gerald’s favorite sports were football, baseball, softball, and basketball. Grampy loved watching his granddaughters compete in sports.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen Steiger.

SURVIVORS:
Daughters & Spouse:
Jeri (Steiger) Hinrichs – Hastings, NE
Jani (Steiger) & George Nebitt – Omaha, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses:
Shelby & Ross Hoglund – Lincoln, NE
Montana & Jonah Renter – Fremont, NE
Taylor Hinrichs – Lincoln, NE
Daelene Hinrichs – Hastings, NE
Cole Nebitt – Omaha, NE
Sisters:
3