Larry Dean Gish was born Nov. 30, 1939, in Beatrice, to Ray and Mildred (Lewis) Gish.
He attended school in Blue Springs and Wymore on the way to graduating from Fairmont High School in 1958. After graduation, Larry spent a few years working various jobs and enjoying life, then served two years in the U.S. Army, which inspired him to consider his future. That led him to attend Nebraska Wesleyan and then the University of Nebraska, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and his Master’s Degree in 1973. He decided that teaching and coaching would be his vocation. He met his future wife, Beverly Jiskra, while she was working towards her own Master’s Degree in Lincoln. They married in 1967, and while continuing their degree programs, spent three years living in and heading the Home Management Laboratory. Through their time in the Lab, they lived with and oversaw about 100 different undergraduates studying Home Economics.
Larry began his own professional teaching career in Lewiston. He then taught disadvantaged students at the Beatrice State Developmental Center for four years. He always said he learned a lot about life from those students. Larry then landed in his long-term teaching home: Dorchester Public School. There, at different times, he taught physical education, health and driver’s ed, while variously coaching track, basketball, football and baseball. Larry and Bev also remained long-term, dedicated members of Dorchester United Methodist Church.
Preceding Larry to final rest; parents, Ray and Mildred Gish; brother, Jim Gish; sisters, LaVeta Miller and Jolene Allen; brothers-in-law, Harry Miller, Carl Allen and Richard Jiskra; sister-in-law, Marcy Gish. Larry is survived by his wife, Beverly; sister-in-law, Betty; sons, Lenny, Ricky and Jay; daughters-in-law, Sharon and Sheri; and grandchildren, William, Benjamin, Carter, Creighton and Berkleigh.
A funeral service was June 9 at Dorchester United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Dorchester United Methodist Church, Dorchester Education Association, Table Grace Ministries and the Team Jack Foundation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.kunclfh.com.
