Gerrit A. Hamblin 1924-2011

HAMBLIN SALLANDER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/19/2012 at 17:54:04

Sioux City Journal
6 July 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Gerrit A. Hamblin, 87, of Broken Bow, Neb., formerly of Sioux City, died June 21, 2011, at Jennie Melham Medical Center in Broken Bow.

Services were held June 24 at Govier Brothers Mortuary, where the Rev. Henry Duerksen officiated. Interment was in Broken Bow Cemetery.

Gerrit "Buzz" was born May 15, 1924, to Miles and Nellie Hamblin. He attended schools in Sioux City and graduated from Central High School in 1942. He worked for Sioux City Kodak Company before joining the U.S. Army. He served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He received his education at the University of Sioux Falls in 1948.

He was married on June 5, 1950, to Jane Sallander of Canistota, S.D. His teaching career began in a rural school for one year. He then taught at Primrose Public School for five years and the remaining years at Broken Bow High School. He retired after 40 years of teaching and loved his profession.

Gerrit was respected by his colleagues and loved and remembered by his students. One of his many awards and recognitions for teaching was in 1984. At that time, Gerrit was chosen as one of the top 10 for the Outstanding Educator Award for the state of Nebraska. Words of this award from the Board of Education were as follows. "There is a unique, undefinable quality in your teaching, a certain charisma which cannot be imitated. It is that intangible something which makes what is often referred to as a "born teacher". Whatever the explanation for your success, one thing is certain - all the members of the educational community are richer for your presence."

Gerrit was a member of First Baptist Church in Broken Bow, serving as a mediator, an adult Sunday School teacher, and youth leader. "Buzz" as his friends and family knew him, was a unique, quiet and friendly man with a great sense of humor and wit. In his retirement, he enjoyed and valued his morning coffee with his retired teachers. Also his friends and activities at First Baptist Church were important to him during his entire life. His caring wife and family of dogs and cats were always his love with Curly the favorite animal. Politics was always an interest and study.

Gerrit is survived by his wife, Jane of Broken Bow; and a sister, Connie Spain of Sioux City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Helen Sierk and Katherine "Maizie" Varing.