Gary George Kalkwarf, 77, of Crete, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at his home. He was born August 11, 1940, at his rural home in Saline County close to Pleasant Dale, Nebraska to Helen (Gerheardt) Kalkwarf and Edwin John Henry Kalkwarf. Gary was baptized April 5, 1942 at the Crete German Congregational Church by Pastor Harry B. Lake. Gary attended several rural country schools during his elementary and middle school years and graduated from Saline County School District #1 on May 11, 1954. Gary attended high school in Milford, Nebraska. After high school, Gary started working at Better Buy Windows and Door Company in Wilber, Nebraska. In 1962, Gary started working for Applebees Chevrolet and then McNamara Chevrolet in Crete, Nebraska. Gary left the auto business in 1972 and started working at Wanek's Furniture and Appliance until January, 2000. Shortly after leaving Wanek's, Gary started working at Slumberland in Lincoln, Nebraska, until his retirement in March, 2016. Gary married Jean (Dittmer) Kalkwarf on November 18, 1961, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, Nebraska, and to this marriage was blessed with three children Lori, Mark and Todd. Gary received the solemn rite of confirmation on June 10, 1962, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church by Pastor C.W. Long. Gary was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Crete, Nebraska, for 56 years. Gary loved to attend the grandchildren's activities: dance recitals, theatre performances, music programs and show choir events. Gary enjoyed everything about cars, working outdoors, Kansas City Royals baseball, Nebraska Cornhusker sports, popcorn and going to Branson, Missouri. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Jean of Crete, Nebraska; daughter, Lori Ann (Tom) Svehla of Lincoln; sons, Mark Allen (Diane) Kalkwarf of Crete, Nebraska; Todd Eric Kalkwarf of Crete, Nebraska; granddaughter, Megan Nicole Svehla of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandson Brandon Scott Kalkwarf of Crete, Nebraska; brothers, Jerome Kalkwarf of Crete, Nebraska, Roger (Susie) Kalkwarf of Lincoln, Nebraska, Rod (Donna) Kalkwarf of Seward; sister-in-law, Pat Plouzek of Milford, Nebraska. Nieces and nephews include Laurie Lindschmidt, Dale Hansen, Ron Kalkwarf, Greg (Kirsta) Kalkwarf, Candi Owens, Trevor (Sonja) Kalkwarf, Amber (Shane) Bass, Karmin (Brian) Clish and Krista (Joe) Mullins, Peggy (Tom) Diaz, Julie (Jeff) Blow, Cheryl Plouzek, Doug (Heather) Plouzek. Also cousins, great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Helen Kalkwarf, brother Larry Kalkwarf, sister-in-law Donna Kalkwarf, father and mother-in-law Fred and Mollie Dittmer, sister-in-law Delores Dittmer and brother-in-law Loren Plouzek. Services: Wednesday, 10:30 am, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Crete. Visitation: Tuesday, 5 – 8 pm, Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.  Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete is in charge of arrangements.