Died Sunday, May 28, 2023 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont.
Gary was born on April 11, 1957 at St Joseph's Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. Born with cerebral palsy, life was a challenge from the beginning. We were told that he wouldn't live through the night. He couldn't possibly last a year. He would be mentally retarded. And on and on with the dire predictions. But Gary proved to be a fighter, beating the odds at every step along the way.
His path was rocky and treacherous, but he had a lot of angels who lifted him up along the way. One of these was his beloved aunt Margaret who took him in during a particularly difficult year in his life. Others were siblings, family and friends and of course the many caregivers who touched his life with their kindness.
Gary lived to be 66. He graduated high school and had some college as well. He was a prolific writer and enjoyed producing newsletters and of course his famous Christmas letters. Gary was a sweet and loving soul. Well, most of the time. But anyone that knew him knew he had his ornery side as well. He had a quick wit and a laugh that was utterly contagious. He was an inspiration for many.
He will be truly missed by those he left behind. Our tears today are for ourselves, because we miss him. But we rejoice in the knowledge that Gary is finally free! No more broken, twisted body to tie him down. Today he dances with the angels, and with Mom and with Dad and with Bill and with Jeri. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Simeon and Myrtle Everitt, brother William Everitt and sister Garalyn Everitt Haussmann. He is survived by sister Ellagene Everitt Cruz, Floyd Everitt and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dance on, little brother, and know that we love you! We'll see you soon!
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.
The memorial service will be 10:00am, Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(6)
Sherry Hatten
Rapid City, SD Thursday, June 1, 2023 I got to know Gar Bear while working at Dunklau Gardens. He always had a smile and loved hugs and just being around those who cared about him. I loved his smile and his laugh...can still hear it today. He was truly one of a kind and is missed by everyone that knew him! Fly with the Angels Gar Bear!Shannan
Polk, NE Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Prayers for the family & friends. I had the honor of being his care giver through COVID, on a contract at Dunklau. It was Hershey Kisses. Line up 4 for him! No more chains. He truly… was an Angel on earth. He will forever be in my heart & on my mind!Kassie
Fremont, NE Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Condolences and prayers for his family, friends and those who worked with Gary. I will always remember him when I have Oreos.Linda Swan
Gothenburg, NE Tuesday, May 30, 2023 So sorry for your loss. I got to know Gary when he lived in Gothenburg .he was a true inspiration to who ever knew him. I was a children’s librarian at the public library and Gary would join me in my programs and would always come up with something that the kids would love. He taught me AND the kids compassion for others and the kids adored him! He will forever have a place in my heart!Megan Morrow
Lincoln, NE Monday, May 29, 2023 Thanking God for Gary! I met him when I worked on staff at the Easter Seal camp in the early 1980s. Such a joker and bearer of fun! I was the Music Director the first summer. He and I wrote a song for the closing program the week he attended. We kept in touch all these years and he asked me if I still had the words. I found it recently and shared it with him. It speaks of the gift of love that we shared at camp, but it also speaks of the gift of love Gary shared throughout his life. Here are the words. I hope they let you know how much he loved life and others:1. Surrounded by voices, all wanting to be heard. Hands reaching out, all wanting to be held. Pulled this way and that way trying so hard to care. How to touch them, to reach them some way.
2. In giving you received so much more than you gave. In teaching you found you were taught, to have patience, understanding, to listen, to feel. Their lives make living more real.
3. Laughing and crying, many feelings shared. Hugging and loving, warmth fills the air. Friends for the moment, yet friends for all time. I'm glad that the memories are mine. (Repeat 1st stanza, but last line becomes, The gift of my love I will share.)
Stephanie Boone
Victoria, TX Monday, May 29, 2023 My prayers to the family. He will be deeply missed by all. I had the pleasure of working with Gary while on a travel contract in 2019 and 2022. He was a great person !!!!!