Gerald “Jerry” Gohl, age 77, of McCook, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his home on May 25, 2026.

Jerry was born on May 29, 1948, in McCook to William and Melva (Korell) Gohl. He was one of four siblings. He graduated from Hayes County High School with the Class of 1966. He continued his education at McCook Junior College before transferring to Kearney State College, where he earned a degree in Business Education and was a member of the track team.

His professional career began with Hilton Hotels Corporation, working in both Omaha and San Francisco. During this time, he married Joyce (Beebe) Gohl, and together they had two children, Brenda and Neil.

Jerry later returned to his Hayes County roots, purchasing a farm and ranch where he continued a family farming legacy spanning more than 120 years. He took great pride in those multigenerational ties and the values of hard work, innovation, and perseverance they instilled.

After several years of farming and ranching Jerry was Inspired by the challenges of checking livestock at night, Jerry founded Golight Inc., a remote-controlled spotlight company. What began as a practical solution grew into a successful international business that has thrived for over 30 years.

Throughout his life, Jerry was a strong supporter of his community. He generously backed local events and organizations in Southwest Nebraska, including the Hayes County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale and the McCook Economic Development Board as well as promoting the vitality of Southwest Nebraska.

In 2011, Jerry married Diane (Fox) Gohl, and the couple blended their families. Diane passed away from cancer in 2020.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Russ Gohl, wife Diane Gohl, and sister-in-law Bobbie Gohl.

He is survived by his children: Brenda (Ryan) Khoury and their sons William and Hunter of Omaha, NE; and Neil (Sarah) Gohl and their sons Clayton and Lucas of McCook, NE. He is also survived by stepchildren Kimberly (Randy) Perlis of Aurora, CO, and her children Lauren, Tony, and Michelle; and Nick (Julie) Fox of Elizabeth, CO, and their children Jackson and Natalie. Jerry is further survived by brothers Tom (Vickie) Gohl of Hayes Center, NE, and Rick Gohl of Culbertson, NE; sister-in-law Patty Gohl of Culbertson, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to the Hayes County 4-H via The Hayes County Ag Society, PO Box 103 Hayes Center, NE 69032 or the McCook Community Hospital Foundation, PO Box 1328, McCook, NE 69001.