John Pierce Gamet

John Pierce Gamet, 88, of Ogallala, passed away on August 12, 2023, at his home in Ogallala.

John was born on April 20, 1935, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Dr. Joseph H. Gamet and Margaret Elizabeth Gamet. John's youth was marked by numerous moves to Army Air Force bases during WWII, where his father served in military hospitals. At the war's end, he moved with his family to Evanston, Illinois, and later to Janesville, Wisconsin, settling in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1949.

John graduated from Price High School in Cedar Falls in 1953. He started college at Iowa State, then moved to Greeley, Colorado where he met his future wife, Kay Franken. They graduated together from the University of Northern Colorado in 1959.

John and Kay were married in St. Luke's Catholic Church in 1959, settling in Ogallala, where he worked for Goodall Electric, later TRW. In 1983, TRW transferred John to Libertyville, Illinois. When TRW restructured, John found a new passion working as an industrial rehabilitation specialist at Lake Forest Hospital until his retirement. John and his wife returned to Keith County in 1999, purchasing a farm and establishing a vineyard with sons Stephen and Patrick, eventually opening a winery in Paxton.

John was devoted to his community, especially to those with developmental and physical challenges. He served on various boards and was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Quad-County Support Services in 1973. His community involvement extended to the Ogallala Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, Planning Commission, Regional Arts Council, Hospital Board, Yacht Club, and St. Luke's Knight's of Columbus, becoming a 4th Degree Knight. He actively participated in faith study groups within his church.

John's love for nature, birds, and sunsets was well known. He crafted stained glass windows, many displayed in buildings around the community. He had a deep affection for his children, grandchildren, faith, and church. John's legacy of community service, love for family, craftsmanship, and faith will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Joseph H. and Margaret Gamet; sisters, Joanne Olshan and Mary Louise Loerwald.

John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Kay, of Ogallala; three children, Stephen, Paige, and Patrick Gamet; sister, Betsy Rhomberg; five grandchildren, Mikayla Deines, Meredith Gamet, Leanne Miller, Jack and Katherine Harich.

Memorials are suggested to the Keith & Arthur County Food Pantry in John's Memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 pm until 5 pm at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala, with family receiving friends at 5 pm. Rosary and wake service will be at 6 pm at the funeral home.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.