Gerald Mathiasen Barnes

Gerald “Jerry” Mathiasen Barnes, 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at CountryHouse Memory Care in Kearney, NE, surrounded by his loving daughters.

Jerry was born on July 5, 1929, in Minden, NE to Albertus “Jack” and Myrtle “Vergene” (Mathiasen) Barnes. He married the love of his life, Wanda Wilcox in 1948. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Jerry enjoyed a distinguished career in the dairy industry for more than 50 years. He served as a manager of the Mid-America Dairymen cheese plant in Superior before he became the General Manager of Mid-America Dairy in Omaha. He also served as Mayor of Superior, President of the Superior School Board, and President of the Nebraska Dairy Industries Association. Jerry was an active member of the Elks, Shriners, and Masonic Lodge, and was a devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers fan.

Jerry is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Michele (Mark) Harris of Riverton, WY and Kristin (Stu) Martin of Ocala, FL; seven grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda; daughter, Robin Shanks; grandson, Thomas Martin; his parents and two brothers.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Derek Apfel, CFC officiating. Interment will follow in the Cameron Cemetery in Wood River. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) or the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Apfel Funeral home is entrusted with arrangements, online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.