Gaynelle May Coulter was born May 30, 1930, and passed away April 14, 2022, in the evening.
She was born to Wyatt and Sophie (Bachman) Mills in Akron, Ohio. She graduated high school in January 1948 from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She attended Kent State University (Ohio), starting in March 1948 and graduating in August 1951, majoring in primary education. Gaynelle rode the bus to college, where she met her future husband, Thomas Coulter. They were married June 10, 1950, and were married just three months short of 50 years. Starting her teaching career in Ohio, Tom and Gaynelle moved to Crete in 1960. Tom had accepted a position of History Professor at Doane University. Gaynelle taught third grade one year, kindergarten 14 years and then because of her love of children, she started Blue Door Nursery School, which she ran for 32 years. She received the Service to Mankind Award in 1976 for her contributions to the community and in starting and running Friendly Meals in Crete.
Survivors include her daughter, Anne (Doug) Kersten, Sprague; son-in-law, Richard (Bud) Policy, Emerald; grandchildren, Sarah (Nathan) Godinez, Lincoln, Rebecca (Danny) Underwood, Crete, Laura Kersten, Crete, Dylan and Janelle Coulter, Lincoln and Londell Coleman, Lincoln; great-grandchildren include, Andrew Kersten, Hailey Kersten, Dan Evan Underwood, Wesley Kersten, Lilian Underwood, Charlee Haecker, and Evelyn Underwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Coulter, and daughters, Cathy Policky, Donna Coulter, Tina Coleman and Barbara Coulter; her grandson, Timothy Kersten; great-grandson, Bryson Haecker; and great-great-grandson, Nolan Kersten.
The funeral service was April 20 at the United Church of Christ, First Congregational, in Crete, with burial at Centerville Cemetery at Martell at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Nebraska Children’s Home Society, where Tom and Gaynelle adopted their family of daughters, starting almost 60 years ago. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.kunclfh.com.
