Gerald "Gerry" Maher

MAHER, Gerald A. “Gerry” 3/21/1930 – 5/5/2022 On May 5, 2022 Gerald A. Maher passed away at age 92. Gerald (Gerry) was born on a farm near St. Albans, MO on March 21, 1930. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Mildred (Simon) Maher. Gerry had two brothers and a sister who preceded him in death. At age 16, Gerry ran away from home, and through some trickery, joined the Marine Corp. A year later his mother found him, and had him discharged. He was a model Marine and instead of punishment, the Commander gave him a Honorable Discharge crediting him 1 year of service, with and invitation to re-enlist when older. Gerry loved the Marines and did re-enlist. He was selected for training to become a Corsair fighter pilot. Near the end of his training, Gerry was misdiagnosed as having a heart condition, and returned to the infantry, which he didn’t mind at all. As the Korean War broke out, Gerry was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, having twice been wounded in combat. Gerry later became a Drill Sergeant, however, due to his war injuries, he eventually was medically discharged. Gerry then moved back to St. Louis, where he became a police officer. He worked nights as a rookie officer, and attended Law School during the day. After graduation he was hired by the FBI. Gerry had a storied career working for the FBI, DEA and ATF. Gerry met is wife, Thelma in St. Louis, MO in 1964. They married in New York, NY in 1965, gaining a daughter, Barb (Von Tersch). He then worked as a New York police officer until he was promoted to head of the ATF in Omaha, NE. Barb married (Leo Von Tersch) and had two Grandchildren, Jason Von Terch (deceased) and Jennifer Von Tersch (Schultz). Jennifer later married (Chris Schultz) and had a Great Grand Child, Kaila Schultz. Gerry was a member of the Mason Lodge for over 25 years and became a Grand Mason toward the end or his membership. After retirement Gerry renewed his pilot skills, flew charter flights, and became a flight instructor until age 70. He was a member, and held officer positions, in a variety of Military organizations. Most recently he was a member of the Millard VFW post 8334, and the Millard American Legion Post 374. He was also the former Judge Advocate of the Nebraska Purple Heart Society. Gerry had an incredible life. Even with his commitment to the Military and his community, he still made time to spend with his family and never missed a Track Meet, Prom, Wedding, or any other significant event with his family. We are all blessed and grateful to have known Gerry as a husband, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and fellow soldier. CELEBRATION OF GERRY’S LIFE: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11:00am, with VISITATION starting at 9:30 am, all at Braman Mortuary (Southwest Chapel) INTERMENT: Voss Mohr Cemetery Another celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at the Millard VFW post 8334 at a later date. A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at the Millard VFW post 8334 at a later date. Braman Mortuary – (Southwest Chapel) 6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE 68137 402-895-3400