Residents in Gering and beyond are mourning the loss of a long-time pillar of the community.
On Monday, Gering Parks and Rec Director Amy Seiler delivered the news to the city council that Jack Martin, who on Thursday would have marked 25 years with the city in her department, had passed the day before at the age of 77.
Seiler said her staff was broken-hearted at the news earlier in the day, and she told them they could honor Jack by following his lead. “Serve without complaining. Do the things that nobody asks you to do because you love this community and you want to honor the people. I am privileged to get to work with him,” said Seiler, her voice beginning to crack with emotion, “and I’m broken that he will not be with us any longer. And I’m wanting to stand up here and make sure that everybody knows Jack Martin was an incredible citizen of Gering.”
Prior to joining the city staff, Jack had a 38-year career as an educator and athletics coach in Gering Public Schools, and was also active with non-school sporting groups, and in his church.
A celebration of life for Jack will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff Saturday at 10 am, followed by a light lunch and sharing of memories.
