Prince of Peace
John “Gerry†O’Rourke, 80, of Kearney, died Monday, May 8, 2017 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Monday, May 15, 2017 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Reverend Michael McDonald, Reverend Donald O’Brien and Reverend Sagar will concelebrate. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Sunday at Prince of Peace with a 7 pm Scripture Wake Service. Following visitation Mr. O’Rourke will be cremated. Interment will be at Kearney Cemetery. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is serving the family.
Memorials are suggested to Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com.
John Gerard O’Rourke was born on February 9, 1937 at St. Louis, Missouri to Jack and Angela (Hemmer) O’Rourke. He grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1954.
Following high school, he entered the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge Gerry traveled extensively while competing in professional speed skating and freestyle skating. During this time, he also instructed several skaters, both amateur and professional. After his skating career he worked as a salesman for Sears, based out of Chicago, while putting himself through college.
In the early 1960’s Gerry moved to Grand Island where he managed and taught lessons at Skate Island. While working at Skate Island he met his future bride, Mary Hehnke. Gerry and Mary were married on August 14, 1965 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island. They made their home in Kearney where they owned and operated the Roller Ranch. Along with running the skating rink, Gerry also worked at Kizzier Chevrolet for 18 years. He would later own and operate J & M Property Management, J & M Taxi and J& M Limousine.
Gerry was an active member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He loved serving as a greeter on Saturday evenings, and would always welcome both parishioners and guests alike, with a warm smile and conversation. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years. He was active in Little League Baseball and also coached Jr. High basketball at Kearney Catholic for several years.
Throughout his life, Gerry’s faith, his love for his family and his tireless work ethic remained constant. He lived with a servant’s heart and always offered a helping hand to those in need. He never met a stranger and enjoyed getting to know everyone he came into contact with. Gerry and Mary would have been married 52 years this August.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary O’Rourke of Kearney; his three daughters, Shaun Hiemstra and husband Russ of Kearney, Shannon Almassian and husband Trent of Ada, MI and Shanne Reifenrath of Grand Island; his grandchildren, Mitchell and Jaret Hiemstra, Jack and Abigail Almassian, and Kyla, Payge and Jayce Reifenrath; and a sister, Maureen Tomek and husband Emil of St. Louis, MO.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents.
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