Fred E Stricker Jr.

Fred E. Stricker passed away peacefully October 22, 2025, at Heritage Estates surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska with Pastor Andy Griess officiating. A visitation will be held at Gering Memorial Chapel in Gering, Nebraska on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Memorials may be directed to the Fred Stricker Memorial and funds will be distributed to Zion Church and the Gering Public Schools FFA Scholarship fund.

The sixth son born to Fred and Mary (Rieb) Stricker on June 10, 1950. Fred was a man of strong character, work ethic and incredible devotion to his family.

As a youngster he was one who needed to be kept occupied so his dad would tell him to go dig holes and then fill them back in. He became a master with a shovel!

With so many brothers, his help on the farm wasn’t always needed so by age 14 he found odd jobs in town at Flemming’s Filling Station, Morrison Sale Barn loading cattle on Saturday sale days and later as a mechanics helper at Great Western Sugar Factory during campaign. Through a few of his teen years, his brother Charlie took him under his wing and hired him as a farm helper, further helping him to expand his knowledge of the newest farming practices. After high school he worked in the welding department at Magnolia Mobile Homes eventually becoming foreman. After a few years the farm called him back.

He began farming in 1972 with his dad’s blessing. His work ethic and keen eye for numbers helped launch his agriculture career that lasted over 50 years, first partnering with his brother Gary and later adding his two oldest sons, teaching them everything he knew and encouraging them to grow their knowledge and keep a watchful eye on the business.

In 1973 he married his love, Jody Guettler and together they raised their three sons on their farm south of Gering. He was known for his determination, mechanical abilities, his welding and fabricating talents, his firm yet sincere handshake and his incredibly straight rows.

He was forever proud of the two sons that followed in his footsteps and was delighted that his third son chose college. He was an amazing and thorough instructor of his trade and welcomed the next generations’ new ideas. As each of his sons married he welcomed his three bonus daughters with open arms adding a much-needed female presence to our growing family. His grandkids melted his heart, and he was both protective and engaging as long as his mind and body would let him.

Through the years Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf as well as traveling many road trips and excursions with dear friends and family. Because of its warm weather during his ‘off’ winter months, Hawaii was always his favorite. His church was important to him as he passed down the value of faith, family and community.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers Wilbert, Charlie, Floyd and Jerry, father and mother-in-law Hank and Lorene Guettler, sisters-in law Betty Stricker and Dee Stricker, brothers- in-law Duane Guettler, Jerry Guettler, Paul Williams and Paul Corr and one infant son.

He is lovingly survived by his loving wife Jody, sons Ryan and Elizabeth Stricker, Preston and Stephanie Stricker and Clayton and Lacie Stricker, his five beautiful grandchildren Dawson, Dalton, Preslie, Jaxon and Jase, brother Gary (Deb Meter) Stricker, sisters-in-law Charlotte (Dean Cochran) Williams, Jeanne Corr, Anne Guettler and Jovetta Stricker and many cousins, nieces and nephews and numerous acquaintances that called him their ‘friend’. We will deeply miss his zest for life, notable shenanigans and incredible integrity and honesty but the memory of it all will live on.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the amazing caregivers and staff at Heritage Estates for the loving and respectful care of Fred during the past several months.