Gaylerd Gene Stevens

Gaylerd Gene Stevens, 75, of Hordville, died at his home on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. Funeral services will be on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Polk with Rev. Dan Spearow and Chaplin Aaron Phillips officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home in Polk. In lieu of flowers the family asks the memorials be given to Polk United Methodist Church or Polk Fire and Rescue. Condolences may be sent to family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Gaylerd was born April 20, 1942 in Stromsburg, NE to Arlo and Genelle (Coover) Stevens. He attended school at Polk and graduated from Polk High school in 1959. He was united in marriage to Mary Frederick on June 17, 1972 in Kearney, NE. To this union three children were born; Bill, Bud, and Gene. Gaylerd joined his father in farming and feeding cattle after graduation. A few buffalo were added and a few more added over the years. He then farmed with his brother and later his two sons joined the operation. Gaylerd’s dedication to agriculture and the cattle and buffalo industry continued after retiring in 2008 due to his health. He enjoyed and encouraged his grandchildren; following their activities, watching them grow and achieve their dreams. He loved hunting and watching dirt track racing; with a special interest in the #14 car of Kyle Berck’s. He also spent many hours leveling and developing land. Gaylerd was a member of the Polk United Methodist Church and the National Buffalo Association. He was a man of extensive knowledge and had a vivid memory. He also had a never ending strength that helped him meet 32 years of paralysis and setbacks in health but was always available to support family and offer advice about the farming and buffalo business to his two sons. His knowledge, guidance and encouragement will be missed and his love for family will remain a lasting memory. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary; his three children, William (Jennifer Wojtalewicz) Stevens, Arlo (Stephanie) Stevens, and Genelle (Darryl Church) Stevens all of Polk; five grandchildren, MacKenzie (Isaac Van Essen), Lane, Kyle, Payton, Landon; his siblings, Karen Stevens of Polk, Gary (Jeanne) Stevens of Omaha, and Gale Stevens of Hordville; two sister and brother-in-laws, Donna and Arlen Bay of Stapleton, and Vera and Bob Giffin of Kearney; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Genelle Stevens; his in-laws, Donald and Helen Frederick; his sister-in-law, Pattie Stevens; and an infant brother, Kendall.

Gaylerd Gene Stevens

April 20, 1942 - December 26, 2017