| Michael D. Gillming |

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard, with Reverend Dean Hanson officiating. Burial followed in the Sweetwater Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family or Faith Lutheran Church in Hazard. Govier Brothers Mortuary is serving the family. An online register book may be signed at www.govierbrothers. com Mike was born on December 28, 1951, in Loup City, to Dale and Norma (Zinnel) Gillming. He spent his early years in Kearney, happiest with the sun on his back and dirt on his boots, helping a local rancher break horses. Later the family moved to rural Hazard, where he attended a little country school and began what would become a lifelong love of farming, working for his future uncle in law and best man, Oren Larsen, on a farm outside Sweetwater.

Mike attended high school in Ravenna and was a gifted athlete, going undefeated and winning a state wrestling championship his senior year. He was also proud to be part of an undefeated, unscored upon football team as a junior. After graduating in 1970, he attended Chadron State College and wrestled, then returned home and worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. He moved to Omaha to continue his education at the University of Nebraska, earning his bachelor’s of science degree in industrial technology.

On December 29, 1974, Mike married Gracia Fox in Hazard, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Tenise and Christal. After a brief stay in Greeley where they began their teaching careers, Mike and Graci made their home in Litchfield. Mike taught industrial arts at Litchfield Public School for twenty-five years and coached football for many years, culminating in the joy of coaching a six man football state championship team in 1999. Mike went back into the classroom himself and earned his master’s degree in education and served faithfully as superintendent at Litchfield, Elba, and Sumner Eddyville Miller schools for six years before retiring. In the summers, Mike enjoyed farming alongside his stepfather, working the land God had given them.

Mike was a natural mentor and teacher, coming alongside young people, showing them how to farm, how to build just about anything, and how to live with integrity and faith. He spent many years joining UNK’s Christian Student Fellowship on mission trips to Mexico, happily building, fixing, and serving wherever he was needed. He loved sketching out plans and took great pride in the home he built for his family in Litchfield. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and—more recently—wintering on Dauphin Island in Alabama, where he found a second family among the “snowbirds.”

More than anything, Mike loved people. He cherished time with his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends from near and far. He never met a stranger—only friends he hadn’t gotten to know yet. His faith, his big heart, and his open arms made room for everyone. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by all who were blessed to share the road with him.

Survivors include mother, Norma Vocke of Kearney; daughters, Tenise (Richard) Bogus of Ord and Christal (Eric) Kaczor of Garland; grandchildren, Carissa (Brett) Haidle, McKenna (Sam) Ingalls, Morgan (Michael) Stangl, David Bogus, Isaac Bogus, Adalynn Kaczor, and William Kaczor; great-grandchildren, Archer, Adley, Gwen, and Harvey Haidle and Scott Stangl; sisters, Becky (Joel) Christensen, Max Wetzel, Lynda (Keith) Pelton, Rowena (Doug) Olbricht, Gerland Dillard, and Michelle (Rob) Stovern; sister-inlaw, Cindy and husband DuWayne Johnson who shared a brother’s bond with Mike; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Gracia Gillming; father, Dale Gillming; stepfather, William Vocke; and infant sister, Barbara Ann.

The Sherman County Times | March 4, 2026