Lavern &Quot;Bud&Quot; Gernstein

LaVern Dale "Bud" Gernstein of Columbus died Thursday, March 8, 2012 at UNMC in Omaha.

LaVern Dale "Bud" Gernstein was born December 8, 1929 in Leigh, NE to William and Louise (Feye) Gernstein. He grew up in Leigh where he was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and graduated from Leigh Public Schools in 1947. Bud did many odd jobs before enlisting in the US Air Force in 1951. He served during the Korean War. He returned to the US where he worked as a salesman for 20 years. Bud married Ruth Gettman on October 29, 1971 in Castle Rock, CO. Bud drove semi-trucks throughout the lower 48 states. He was a 5 time driver award winner with 2 one million mile safe driving awards. He retired in 1992. Following his retirement, he worked odd jobs to keep busy including part time at Wal-Mart for 7 years. Bud was proud of his yard and his wife's flowers. He was a member of the American Legion and the NRA. Bud collected ball caps, Mark Martin cars & trucks, and John Wayne memorabilia.

He is survived by:
Wife Ruth Gernstein of Columbus
Daughter Sheryl Sackley of Denver, CO
Son Dale (Laura) Gernstein of Plattsmouth, NE
Son Gary (Sue) Gernstein of Columbus
Son David (Denise) Gernstein of Columbus
Daughter Kathy Ezell of Denver, CO
Step-Daughter Patricia (James) Brown of Columbus
Step-Daughter Debra (James) Irwin of Columbus
Sister-in-law Mercina Gernstein of Leigh, NE
Several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren
Nieces, nephews, and cousins

He is preceded in death by:
Parents
2 Brothers Harold and Lawrence Gernstein
Sister Evelyn Lake
Step-son Lawrence Ehrlich
Step-Grandsons Jonathan and William Irwin