Darlene Libbie Gerner, age 90, of Milford, a dedicated and loving woman to her family, faith, and country, passed away June 13, 2026.
Born on March 29, 1936, in Crete, to Edward and Libbie Nerud, Darlene had a genuine character and quiet courage that has left an everlasting mark on her family, friends, and all that knew her. Darlene spent many years as an assistant manager at Sears Hardware, where she demonstrated her dedication and commitment. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Pleasant Dale, the Pleasant Dale Methodist Church, and the Eastern Star.
As a woman of faith, she served her church by playing piano and distributing communion bread. It was important to her to serve and support the church and community organizations. Darlene faithfully volunteered to take on responsibilities and activities that were behind the scenes to impact the betterment of the foundations.
She was an avid quilter and loved to embroider. She enjoyed baking, especially during holidays and making specialty birthday cakes. She had a keen interest in gardening and growing a variety of flowers. In her spare time, Darlene enjoyed genealogy, attending Husker athletics, reading, puzzles and card games.
Music was a big part of her life. For many years, she played piano at church and at home. Though her journey on Earth is over, her love doesn't end here – it lives on in us in the values she instilled and the memories we will carry forever.
Darlene is survived by her daughters, Roxann (Roger) Zajicek and Kimberly (Kirk) Riley; son, G. Mark Gerner; sister, Betty Griess; grandchildren, Heather Riley, Rustin (Stacy) Riley, Lance (Kate) Riley, Trevin (Caley) Riley, G.C. Scott Zajicek, Samuel (Melissa) Zajicek, Sara (Jordan) Martz, and Shawn (Clarke Heyerdahl) Zajicek; great-grandchildren, Mason, Carter, Everhett, Winston, Penelope, Theodore, Josephine, Sullivan, Calihan, Hastings, and Gibson Riley, along with Isla, Lincoln, and Peyton Zajicek, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Libbie Nerud; husband, Gerald Gerner; and son, Scott Gerner.
Visitation will be Friday, June 19, from 1 - 8 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home in Milford, with family greeting and receiving relatives and friends from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be Saturday, June 20, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Dale United Methodist Church with lunch to follow at the Pleasant Dale Legion Hall. Graveside service is at 1:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Dorchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for a future designation.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services, Milford.
