Gerald Ivan Reetz, of Crete, passed away on December 8, 2021 in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 82. With a kind soul, Gerald lived a faith-filled life and had a lasting smile that brought joy to family and friends. He was a huge fan of every sport of University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletics. Many days and nights were spent cheering on the Huskers from his recliner in the living room with a bowl full of popcorn. He also loved playing cards, especially 10-point pitch, which he recently did with family on Thanksgiving. And puzzles, all the puzzles. Gerald grew up on the farm, served in the Army, but eventually found his way into the city and worked as a parts man in Crete, Nebraska for a long time -- a source of pride. It was the perfect job for him really. He loved helping people and it also gave him a chance to talk to everyone when they came to the counter. In his lifetime, he also worked other jobs at Feed Service, Doane College and the Post Office.  He had an amazing marriage and partnership with his wife of 56 years, Jolene -- the two were inseparable. It was rare to see one of them without the other. It was also common to see one of them doing an act of kindness for the other. The two of them traveled a lot when they were younger, including trips to Mexico and Hawaii. They also loved to garden and had a huge space in their backyard year after year with potatoes, onions, cucumbers, green beans, peas and more. Gerald was born November 6, 1939 in York County, Nebraska to Louis and Rose Reetz. He was baptized into the faith on November 26, 1939. He was confirmed on April 5, 1953. He is survived by his wife, Jolene; his daughter, Cheryl Langfeldt and her husband, Mike; his son, Brian Reetz; his grandchildren: Megan Behrends and her husband, Jeff; Lyndsey Williams; Brianna Williams; Colbi Larkins and her husband, Hunter; Bret; step grandchildren: Paige Langfeldt and Michael Langfeldt; and his great grandchildren, Paisley Williams and Sophie Larkins. Also brothers and spouses Elmer and Shirley Reetz; Allan and Janice Reetz; his sister, Dianne Kouba; sisters-in-law Janice Reetz and Betty Reetz; brother-in-law Jerome Kalkwarf; sister-in-law Donna Hillgren and her husband, Leroy; brother-in-law Arlyn Wohl and his wife, Judy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Clarence, Lavern and Roger; and his sisters, Gloria and Donna. A memorial service will take place on Monday at 10:30 A.M. at St. John Lutheran Church in Kramer, Nebraska. A viewing will take place on Sunday from 2 - 4 P.M. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, Nebraska.  Memorials to St. John Lutheran Church.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.