Larry Gilmore, 81, of Humphrey, Nebraska, died Friday, August 20, 2021, at his home in Humphrey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 29 beginning at 1:00 PM, at the Humphrey Community Center.

Larry Eugene Gilmore was born April 26, 1940, in Mondamin, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children born to Charles and Marie (Donn) Gilmore. Larry attended school in Modale, Iowa, graduating in 1957. After graduation, Larry worked construction in North Bend, Nebraska, where he met his future bride, Norma Jean Ondracek. They were married on September 26, 1960, in North Bend. On February 27, 1962, Larry entered the Navy and the couple lived, for a brief time, in San Diego where Larry was stationed on the ship, the Ticonderoga. After being discharged on February 26, 1965, Larry and Norma moved to Fremont, Nebraska, where Larry worked for Union Pacific Railroad. In October of 1968 the marriage was blessed with a daughter, Michelle. The Gilmores found their forever home in the community of Humphrey where Larry and Norma owned the Avenue Bar for 36 years before retiring in May of 2005. While managing the bar, Larry worked various jobs including putting up grain bins for Lenny Eisenmenger and then working for the John Deere company in Humphrey. Just recently retired, Larry worked for John Deere for 47 years.

Although Larry enjoyed collecting antiques, playing cards, and going to the casino, his greatest joy came from his four grandchildren, who unselfishly shared him with cousins, friends, teammates, and roommates. Anyone lucky enough to know him, quickly embraced the opportunity to lovingly refer to him as Grandpa Larry. He loved to support his family and extended family and was always ready to hop in the car to go to games and activities—near and far—from tee ball to collegiate ball, if his "grandkids" were involved he was there to cheer for them.

Larry loved having a house full of friends and family; the more the merrier. He could talk to anyone. Whether it was catching up, sharing old memories, or making everyone laugh with his one-liners and jokes, Larry never knew a stranger and made everyone feel welcomed and comfortable. Two of his favorite topics were his beloved Nebraska Huskers and Humphrey High Bulldogs. A loyal and devoted fan, he cheered them on to the end.

On Friday, August 20, 2021, at the age of 81, Larry passed away peacefully at his home. He was proceeded in death by his wife Norma, his parents, brother Dwight and wife Marie, sister Deloma and husband Lloyd Bair, nephew Gary Gilmore, niece Shirley and husband LaVerne Jackson, nephew-in-law Charlie Waite, and sister-in-law Barbara Ondracek.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle and son-in-law Terry Wemhoff of Humphrey; grandchildren Terin and husband Tyler Klaahsen of Columbus, Eric Wemhoff of Humphrey, Mikayla Wemhoff of Lincoln, and Jenaya Wemhoff of Humphrey; brother-in-law Ron and wife Janice Ondracek of North Bend, and a host of relatives, friends, and honorary grandkids whose lives he touched.

Service Folder Information
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me – by David M. Romano

When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
Are filled with tears for me

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say

I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know you'll miss me too

But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand

And said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love

But when I walked through Heaven's gate
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne

He said this is eternity
And all I promised you
Today your life on earth is past
But here it starts anew

I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past

So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of me
I'm right here in your heart



Celebrating the life of

LARRY EUGENE GILMORE

Born
Friday, April 26, 1940
Mondamin, Iowa

Entered Into Rest
Friday, August 20, 2021
Humphrey, Nebraska

Ceremony
Sunday, August 29, 2021 – 1:00 PM
Community Center
Humphrey, Nebraska

Greeting Song
"Scars in Heaven" – Casting Crowns

Opening Prayer
Deacon Dennis Anderson

Military Rites
American Legion Post 80 Foltz Zuerlein & VFW Post 7725

Memory Lane
"I Wish Grandpas Never Die" – Riley Green

Eulogy
Katrina Ondracek

Closing
"In Heaven There Is No Beer"

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