Jerome Gene Fritz, 72, of Hildreth, a devoted husband and father, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at CHI Health Bergan-Mercy Hospital in Omaha. His journey to his Heavenly home began after suffering a stroke at his residence on Monday, May 13th. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth with Rev. Caroline Schenk officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's Facebook and YouTube pages. Interment will be held following the service at the Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, south of Hildreth. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorial contributions in Jerome's honor be given to the family for later designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Jerome Gene Fritz was born on April 21, 1952 in Kearney, Nebraska, Jerome was the first born son of Justine and Vernetta Fritz. He was baptized on May 11, 1952 at Emmanual Lutheran Church in Hildreth. The family initially lived on a farm outside of Hildreth until his father's passing. Afterward, they moved into Hildreth.

Jerome attended Hildreth Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1970. During high school, he worked on the family farm alongside his Grandpa Gerhard and Uncle Arnold. Additionally, he held jobs at the local grocery store and Schwartz Enterprises. His passion for baseball led him to begin his umpiring career during these years.

Continuing his education, Jerome attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture in 1974. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Cynthia (Cindy) Husmann. They married on July 26, 1975, in Clarks, Nebraska.

Jerome and Cindy settled on a farm outside of Hildreth, Nebraska, where he worked in production agriculture. Over the years, he raised pigs, sheep, cattle, corn, beans, wheat, sunflowers, popcorn and canola. Their union brought forth two daughters, Celeste and Ashley. Jerome took immense pride in supporting their growth and attending all their school events. Tragically, their lives were forever changed when Celeste passed away in a car accident on May 17, 1997.

Jerome actively participated in the church and community. He served on the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Council and later the Trinity Lutheran Church council. His love for performing led him to take lead roles in Hildreth's bicentennial play and a Minden performance of "The Music Man."

Baseball remained a constant passion for Jerome. He umpired Legion games in the Alma, Holdrege, and Minden areas during many summers, retiring from umpiring in 2018. Through this role, he formed lasting friendships and connections.

Jerome's true pride and joy were his granddaughters—Harper, Willa, and Audrey—daughters of Ashley and Evan. He attended their dance recitals, orchestra performances, and every event in between with the same enthusiasm he had for his own daughters.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Cindy of Hildreth, and daughter Ashley (and husband Evan Lewandowski) along with their beloved granddaughters—all residing in Kearney. His siblings, Naomi (Rick) Bennett of Fairbury, Calvin (Linda) Fritz, Doug (Tammy) Fritz, Marianne (Jim) Halsted, and Colleen (Kevin) Benson all of Hildreth, also cherish his memory. Additionally, he leaves behind Brother and Sister-in-laws, Michael (Darcia) Husmann of David City; Rick (Robin) Husmann of Columbus; Jacquie (Rick) Wegner of Central City; Chris (Mike) Peterson of Columbus; Brad (Julie) Husmann of Duncan; and a large host nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

In Heaven, Jerome reunites with his daughter Celeste, nephew Joshua Benson, parents Justine and Vernetta, Mother- and Father-in-law, Harold and Dorolene Husmann, special Uncle Arnold and Aunt Florence Quadhamer; grandparents Gerhard and Lena Quadhamer, Lena and Henry Fritz, and nephew and niece Shawn and Shelly Halsted.

Jerome's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .