Gerard Preister, 95, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, July 3, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at 10:30 AM, at St. Isidore Catholic Church, with Father Joe Miksch celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be on Monday, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM, all at the church. Visitation will continue Tuesday, from 9:30 AM until service time, at the church. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, Genoa, Nebraska, at 1:30 PM on Tuesday.

Gerard Joseph Preister was born on January 13, 1931, in Humphrey, Nebraka to Joseph and Clara (Magsman) Preister. He attended school in Cornlea until the 8th grade. As a young man he had various jobs until he started farming around the Cornlea area at the age of 18.

At the age of 21, Gerard married Imelda (Wessel) in St. Bernard, Nebraska. He then moved to the Monroe area to continue farming and raising their four sons, Tim, Alan, Dan, and Mike.

Gerard had a passion for the agricultural. He raised chickens, pigs and cattle. He delivered many eggs to the Platte Center and Columbus area for extra income. He also raised row crops, especially corn, beans, and alfalfa. In 1978, Gerard started his agricultural business, Preister Ag Supply. He ran this business until his retirement.

In May of 1985, Gerard lost his wife Imelda. On Valentine's Day in 1987 he was married to his forever Valentine, Romana (Ramaekers) Bierman. Together they built a beautiful and loving life together of nearly 40 years. Gerard and Romana enjoyed square dancing with the Harold Squares dance club, playing cards with their card group, and watching their many grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities.

Gerard was the happiest behind the wheel of his RV enjoying God’s beautiful creations like the sunrises and sunsets. They enjoyed RVing from coast to coast, traveling many national parks. In his semi-retirement years, he and Romana wintered in Arizona.

Gerard’s recent hobby was collecting and restoring Allis-Chalmers tractors and equipment. Each of his tractors in his collection had some kind of story. He enjoyed sharing his collection and the stories with his friends, family and taking them to the local parades and county fairs.

Gerard was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather. He had an unwavering faith and profound strength. He relied on his deep faith and his belief in God to carry him through his life, with a special devotion to the rosary.

Gerard was a devoted member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Genoa until moving to Columbus. He and his wife joined St Isidore’s Catholic Church. He was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He enjoyed going to the local nursing homes and giving the residents communion or just visiting with them. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Gerard is survived by:
His loving wife: Romana Preister of Columbus, NE
Sons: 
Tim (Kathie) Preister of Columbus, NE
Alan (Carolee) Preister of Columbus, NE
Dan (Diane) Preister of Genoa, NE
Mike (Norma) Preister of Monroe, NE
Stepchildren:
Chris Bierman of Lindsay, NE
Laurie (Randy) Eisenmenger of Humphrey, NE
Alan Bierman of Lindsay, NE
Dean Bierman of Columbus, NE
Sue (Jerry) Stuhr of Grand Island,NE
Dale Bierman of Columbus, NE
Scott (Keli) Bierman of Omaha, NE
31 grandchildren, and 33 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends
Sister: Mildred Ludden of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law: Sylvia Preister of Humphrey, NE
Brother-in-law: Clifford Finkral of Humphrey, NE

Gerard was preceded in death by 
His first wife: Imelda Preister
Parents: Joseph & Clara Preister 
Infant daughter: Annette 
Infant grandson: Thomas 
Siblings and in laws: Cyril and Rose Mary Preister, Alphonse and Lois Preister, Rose Mary and Joe Moore, Gilbert and Doris Preister, Mary Lou Finkral, Ted Ludden, and Sylvester Zuerlein.

Memorials may be sent to the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church parish center, which would be Gerard's wishes.