In Memory ~ Jerry Culp

 

 

OBITUARY

Gerald Elvin Culp

July 6, 1943 – June 12, 2026

Gerald (Jerry) E. Culp (married to Antigone Kotsiopulos) was brought into this world in Alliance, Nebraska on July 6, 1943, greeted by his parents, Elvin and Lucille as well as big sister, Patsy. Sibling Linda, Ron, and Karen followed. Life was good with close neighbors and friends for school and play along with odd jobs to keep him busy. High school was filled with golf, basketball and track for his beloved Bulldogs. He was recipient of the Outstanding Athlete award in 1960. Jerry continued his letterman’s adventures at Kearney State College where his team became the 1963 Nebraska College Conference Champions in gold. He was also a proud member of the Caledonians (who became Sigma Phi Epsilon) and have been friends for life.

After graduation in 1965 with a degree in Education, Jerry received an “invitation” to join the US Army. His first assignment was at Fort Gordon, GA, where he was assigned to teach and was awarded Outstanding Instructor in 1966. Subsequently, he received his “free trip to Vietnam” where he served as a Personnel Specialist in Saigon. After returning in 1967 he completed a master’s degree in education at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. He was married to Ginny Chase 1969-79.

Jerry became a high school principal, teacher and coach in Arthur, Nebraska 1968-73 and completed a 6 year Specialist’s Degree in Education Administration from the UN-L in 1974 and Professional Gold Association Business School in 1975.

Through strong encouragement from his friends, Jerry moved to Ogallala, Nebraska in 1973 where he served as PGA Gold Professional, General Manager and Pro Shop Owner for the Ogallala Country Club until 1990. Also through friends, Jerry met Antigone (Anne) Kotsiopulos of Fort Collins, Colorado and they married in 1985.

After 5 years of Antigone spending summers in Ogallala and Jerry spending winters in Fort Collins, Jerry left the Country Club and started a new career at Colorado State University. He taught Personal and Family Finance and served as Internship Coordinator for the Department of Design and Merchandising. Until 2007, he and Antigone facilitated study tours to New York City and used personal time for extensive international travel to over 45 countries all but one state.

Jerry was known for his wonderful sense of humor including starting off his classes with a clean joke. He had a wide range of contacts, however, two groups most precious to him were his extended family and PD friends. The latter traveled yearly, for over 40 years, to specifically select destinations for a week of golf, card, and great fun. Periodically Jerry and Antigone would gather their large family for Camp Culp. In addition to Antigone, his family consists of siblings, Patsy Stewart and Ron Culp (Deanne) of Colorado Springs, CO and Linda Moss and Karen Goggin of Fort Collins, CO, as well as 8 nieces and nephews and their spouses, 21 greats and 4 spouses, 4 great, greats and numerous friends whom he considered family.

A service and celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 20th, 11 a.m. at Mountain View Community Church, 2330 E. Prospect Rd., Fort Collins, Co 80525.

Preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-in-law and a great niece and nephew, Jerry will rest in peace in Kearney, Nebraska. He led a full, giving and amazing life as a strong Christian which provided us comfort knowing he will rest in the arms of our Good Lord.

A special thanks goes out to Morning Star Old Town, Bloom Healthcare and Bloom Hospice for their incredible care and support. We will never forget out “angels” in Reflections who provided a loving and peaceful environment. Also, a big shout out to Dementia Together for preparing us for this journey.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has also been established at the university of Nebraska- Kearney to honor Jerry’s memory. University of Nebraska, P.O. Box: 82555, Lincoln, NE 68501-2555, memo Culp/ Kots #1174330. We also encourage support for Dementia Together, the Alzheimer’s Association, or your local church.