Friend of farmers, gardeners passes away

BEATRICE – An educator and well-known agriculture leader in University of Nebraska Extension has passed away.

Larry Germer, of Diller, died Friday in Beatrice, at the age of 84.  He was born in Hubbell and graduated from Chester High School.

Germer graduated from Fairbury Junior College and held bachelor and masters’ degrees from UNL. He taught vocational agriculture at Diller High School for 12 years….2 years in Lincoln Public Schools. 

He was a Gage County Agriculture Extension Educator for 30 years…and a part of the Yard and Garden team on KWBE and later KUTT radio….making guest appearances on Nebraska Educational Television’s Backyard Farmer program.

In retirement, Germer continued to volunteer in his community and worked as a county fair judge…in horticulture and woodworking. He was awarded the Nebraska Community College Association Distinguished Alumnus Award and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award.

A celebration of life service will be held this Wednesday at 11 a.m., at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Diller.  A memorial is established to Gage County Four-H, St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Diller Foundation Fund.