Gerald Allen Jantzi

Gerald A. Jantzi, (Shorty) age 90, of Cairo, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wood River Mennonite Church on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 am. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 pm on Wednesday, February 11 at the church. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Gerald was born on August 25, 1935, in Wood River, Nebraska, to Ezra and Beulah Jantzi. He grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and service that shaped his life. He graduated from Wood River High School in 1952.

Gerald was a quiet, humble man with a strong Christian faith and a heart for helping others. His life was deeply enriched through mission work with Pax Service, which took him abroad in the late 1950s. In 1958, he served in Germany helping rebuild houses and churches damaged during World War II, then traveled to Greece to assist farmers restoring fields devastated by the Greek Civil War. His service also allowed him to travel through Asia and Africa. Gerald developed a deep love for the Greek people — and for one Greek woman in particular.

While serving in Tzakones, Greece, Gerald met Sophia Papadopoulos. He quickly learned to speak Greek, and the two were married on January 31, 1960, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Together they made their home in rural Wood River and later in Cairo, Nebraska.

Gerald continued his commitment to helping others as a representative for Mennonite Disaster Services, volunteering in communities across the United States, including the Grand Island tornadoes in 1980, and Greensburg, Kansas in 2007, following devastating tornado damage. He never hesitated to lend a hand where there was need.

A lifelong member of Wood River Mennonite Church, Gerald served faithfully as an elder, teacher, and treasurer. He loved to sing, especially as part of a quartet, and he loved Jesus deeply, making sure his children were rooted in a strong and enduring faith. Without a doubt, he is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour.

Gerald was known for his strong work ethic and remarkable skill with his hands. He built his own home and could weld just about anything — truly a man who could fix, build, or create whatever was needed. As a young man, he worked at Baasch & Sons, followed by many years at New Holland. He later farmed, raised hogs, sold Nature’s Fertilizer, and co-owned and operated a restaurant alongside Sophia. He took pride in honest work and passed that value on to his children.

Never one to shy away from new adventures, Gerald took up golf and skiing at the age of 51. His love for skiing led him to the mountains every year for the next decade. He also enjoyed trout fishing in the waters of Colorado and playing softball in his younger years.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Clair and Lyle.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sophia of Cairo, NE; his children, Adrian (Emily) Jantzi of Holdredge, NE, Pamela (Mark) Eigsti of Morton, IL, Tamara (Mark) Omtvedt of Kearney, NE, Carmen (John) Thuss of Lincoln, NE; his grandchildren, Adam Jantzi of Holdrege, Rachel Jantzi of Portland, OR, Nathan Eigsti of Tremont, IL , Nicole Davis of Morton, IL, Sydney Omtvedt and Thomas Omtvedt of Bentonville, AR, Lauren Thuss of Lincoln, NE, Grant Thuss of Denver, CO; seven great-grandchildren, and his sister Donna Saltzman of Shickley, NE.

Memorials are suggested to Mennonite Disaster Services or Wood River Mennonite Church.