Gerald Clarence Nehring

EARLY FAMILY

On August 14,1930 his mom-to-be fell down a flight of stairs in Racine, Wisconsin, and there he was. He was born, baptized, confirmed, and married in (and my mom said make sure you get the Norwegian in it) the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The family consisted of dad, Clarence August Nehring, mom, Lillian (Deinken) Nehring, brother Jack 12 months and 12 days older than brother Jerry.

EDUCATION

Racine schools were Roosevelt Elementary, Washington Jr. High, and Horlick High. Secondary education at U. Of Wisconsin extension (1st class of any Wis. Extension). Graduated U. Of Wisconsin Feb 1958 with a degree in Mechanical engineering.

MILITARY SERVICE

In Jan 1951, he joined the USAF during the Korean War and became a Russian Language Specialist with a fluency rating. He was involved in the Cold War in the USAF Security Service.

In January 1954, he was crippled for life "on a snow covered hill on a land far away" and spent the rest of the year in military hospitals. This turned out to be a very fortunate event, for in January 1955, he met Eva Bradac, the love of his life whom he married on Jan 28,1956. They lived happily ever after (there is not too much of that going around any more), until death did them part.

FAMILY

Together they raised Martin, Eric, Nancy, and Viktor, all university graduates.

There was of course the usual group of aunts, uncles, and cousins -- all of whom remained in Racine and Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

WORK

After University Jerry worked at the Pacific Missile Test Center, Point Mugu, retiring in Jan 1986 after 33 years of Federal Service as a General Engineering Manager.

SPARE TIME

He lived in Oxnard, CA for 12 years, serving the North Side Little League as umpire in chief for 6 years. He became active in CIF umpiring and served in that avocation for 25 years. He also founded and wrote the constitution for the Gold Coast Officials Association for the expressed purpose of providing trained umpires for the Girls' Softball Associations in the Ventura County area.

Upon moving to Somis, CA in 1975, he became active in AYSO soccer. He constructed/welded all the goal posts used at that time in Camarillo AYSO soccer. He became active in the

Camarillo men's soccer club and successfully Incorporated that club as well as the Tri-Valley Soccer League to protect its members from frivolous lawsuits.

RETIRED LIFE

In 1997, he and Eva moved to Thousand Oaks across from the California Lutheran University's North campus. They became “Fellows” of Cal Lu in 1969 when the school was in financial trouble. After moving to T.O., he became involved with the Conejo Players where he performed in over 20 plays -- a most enjoyable avocation and association.

IN CLOSING…

And then he died of natural "old age", having had a wonderful life and extended family.

Don't cry for me.

Burial will be private at Los Angeles National Cemetery. No donations are required to your favorite charity. As a preacher once said “don't use my death as a reason to be charitable”.

BUT I would appreciate it if you would have a nice, stiff, drink of your choice for having known me. Thank you all. It's been good to know you and good bye.