Gerald Lee Ammon, beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2026, in his home near Bassett, NE at the age of 71 years. He was born on May 8, 1955, in Ainsworth, NE, and grew up on a ranch in the golden Sandhills outside Bassett, alongside his four siblings. His childhood on the ranch helped shape the hardworking man he would become and instilled in him a deep appreciation for family, the outdoors and the simple things in life.

For more than 50 years, Gerald made his living behind the wheel of a truck. Truck driving was more than a career—it was a way of life that reflected his strong work ethic, determination, and commitment to providing for the people he loved. He made a positive impact on every person he met on his journey. When he wasn’t working, he loved being outdoors. Fishing gave him time to enjoy the places he loved, and he especially enjoyed the excitement and tradition of deer hunting. He refurbished his tractors in his spare time, where you would catch him cranking a wrench with classic country music playing over the garage radio. He also enjoyed sitting around a table playing cards, sharing laughs, stories, and time with the people he loved the most gathered around him.

Above all, Gerald was a father. He was blessed with two children, Tony and Misty. He devoted his life to building a life for them, making little moments into big memories of fun and laughter. He had a knack for finding fun in the mundane like getting go-karts up and running and pickup hoods as sleds. He was an incredibly devoted grandfather to his eight grandchildren. He was always there to help at the drop of a hat; no questions asked and always brought smiles to their faces with unlimited tractor rides and popsicles. There were countless ways he shaped the people they became in all he said and did for them. They carry his memory and the many lessons in loyalty and joy he taught them throughout their lives. His presence, his hard work, and the deep love he gave his family will be carried and passed down forever.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Delores (Schroeder) Ammon. Those left to mourn his passing are his children, Tony (girlfriend, Nellie and family) Ammon of Cairo, NE and Misty (husband, Ryan) Zulkoski of Meridian, ID; their mother and his former wife, Caren Ammon of Bassett; his grandchildren, Patrick Schofield, Jaiden Schofield, Preston Ammon and Ryker, Moriyah, KayLee and Asher Zulkoski. Gerald is also survived by his siblings, Denise (husband, Ron) Tech of Alda, NE, Keith (wife, Lorraine) Ammon of Bassett, Shirley Bell of Gillette, WY, and Rhonda (husband, Jeff) Wulf of Kearney, NE; along with nieces, nephews and extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

His life was one of hard work, family, the open road, the outdoors, and the simple pleasures that made life meaningful. The roads he traveled may have come to an end, but the memories he made along the way will continue in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Bassett Methodist Church with Pastor Andrea Schadel officiating. The CD selections of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill, “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” by Riley Green were played. Casketbearers were: Preston Ammon, Ryan Allen, Kevin Allen, Ryker Zulkoski, Kurt Ammon, Brady Ammon, Jeffrey Tech and Asher Zulkoski. Honorary Casketbearers were: Keith Ammon, Jerry Ammon, Ron Tech, Mark McNally, Bob Maxwell, Scott Stec, Duane Parker, Dick Allard, Bob Dvorak and all of the others from the trucking community. Memorials were suggested to the family in Gerald’s name for a future designation. Interment followed in the Sybrant Community Cemetery near Bassett under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.