Charles Chuck Deter

Charles Emery Deter, 76, of Gering, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska. Cremation was held at Dugan-Kramer Crematory in Scottsbluff. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Gering Zion Church in Gering with Pastor Tim Hebbert and Mark Selvey officiating. There will be a family and friends gathering for a time of sharing at Dugan-Kramer Chapel on Friday, May 16, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. Casual attire is request for Friday evening.

Memorials are established for the Gering Wrestling Club and the Alzheimer’s Association. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Chuck “Coach” Deter was born March 25, 1938, in Denver, Colorado to Roberta (Sampson) and Martin Deter of Denver. In 1958, Chuck married Elva Jean Richards. They had four children: Keri, Bob, Sharon and Tom. In 1978, Chuck married Gretchen Anne (Holmes) Berggren who has a daughter, Ally Berggren. The two were married for 36 years. He graduated from Denver South High School and attended Otero Junior College. Chuck received his Bachelor’s Degree from Adams State College, where he was a graduate assistant (coaching football and wrestling). He received a Master’s Degree from Adams State College and a Specialists’ Degree in Educational Administration from Chadron State College. He taught and coached in Manazola, Colorado and Englewood, Colorado. In 1967, he joined Gering Public Schools where he was: a coach, athletic director and educator; his specialty being wrestling coach.

Coach Deter was the recipient of numerous local, state and national coaching awards. He is a member of the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame, two time finalist for National Wrestling Coach of the Year, four-time Nebraska Wrestling Coach of the Year, winner of the prestigious “Guy Mitty Award”, and numerous other coaching honors from the national, state and local coaching associations.

Chuck had many loves, passions and interests throughout his life, including, but not limited to: family, golf, fishing, horse-back riding, and golden retrievers. He was an avid Huskers, Broncos, Rockies, and Avalanche fan. On any given day, if Chuck and Gretchen were not on the golf course, they would be found watching their favorite teams and/or bull-riders compete.

The Deter Dynasty was established by the numerous wrestlers whose lives he touched and impacted forever. The Annual Deter Dynasty Golf Tournament is held during Oregon Trail Days at Monument Shadows Golf Course benefitting the Gering Wrestling Club.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Gretchen. His children: Keri LeJeune (Craig), Bob Deter (Chrissy), Sharon Knickerbocker (Dan), Tom Deter (Denise), Ally Berggren. Grandchildren: Geoffrey, Cameron, Preston, Katherine, Taylor, Grace, Andrew and Ethan. Chuck’s brother, Bob Deter (Donna), as well as numerous other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois LaGrange and brother, Dale Deter.