Jack Leroy Gier

Jack Leroy Gier, 75, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 6, 1950, to J D Gier and Mildred Donaldine Call in Mullen, Nebraska. He grew up around the Hayes Center area with his two sisters, Barbara and Peggy. He graduated from Hayes Center Public Schools in 1969.

Jack was always looking for his next adventure, and he found a lifelong one when he met Mary Elizabeth Bizzell. Believe it or not, their love story did not start at a sale barn, though it probably should have. They married on June 14, 1970, and together had four beautiful children (and a few thousand animals along the way).

People often said, “Jack was born to trade horses,” and they were probably right, it was in his blood. His love of horses and the livestock trade was something he shared closely with his son, Heath, who grew up spending countless hours alongside his dad and continues to share his love of horses.  If there was a horse or cattle sale going on, they were probably there, either making a deal or just telling a good story.

Jack traveled all over Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and any other place with a sale barn and a decent meal. He would trade anything: goats, hogs, sheep, cattle, and especially horses.

His daughter Heather, on the other hand, ditched the reins to pursue her own calling as a chef, forging a path as unique as her father’s. However, in Jack’s later years, you could often find him at sales with his favorite son-in-law, Scotty, who somehow got roped into Jack’s wild ride (and probably a few questionable deals).

Jack had a grin that could get him out of just about anything, and often did. He was a world-class jokester, prankster, and storyteller who kept everyone on their toes. His unforgettable smile, paired with his quick wit, left a lasting impression on the countless friends he made at sale barns across the country.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, J D and Mildred Gier, and his daughter, Heidi Gier.

Surviving Jack is his wife of 55 years, Mary, of North Platte; his children, Heath (Jennifer) Gier of Scottsbluff, NE, Joel Gier of North Platte, and Heather (Scott) Thomas of North Platte; his six grandchildren, Cam, Jonathan, Alysha (Colin) Kitt, Taylor, Jade, and Isaiah; his four great-grandchildren, Willow, Bently, Wryn, and Alya; and his sisters, Barbara (Bruce) Closman and Peggy (Darrel) Wolfe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30th, at Odean Colonial Chapel. Jack’s family encourages everyone to come as they are — jeans, boots, and sale barn stories are all welcome. In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations to help with medical expenses are appreciated (because even in passing, Jack’s still trying to make a deal).