Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Private family funeral services will be Thursday for retired dentist Dr. Clarence "C.J." Gerner of Omaha.
He died unexpectedly Monday in Omaha, apparently of heart failure, said his wife, Betty Gerner of Omaha. Dr. Gerner was in his early 90s.
During his 50-year career, Gerner treated patients in the Nebraska towns of Crete, Ralston and Omaha.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska and Creighton University School of Dentistry before serving as a captain during World War II. He was attached to Gen. George Patton's Third Army.
Gerner grew up in Crete, where he played in the Doane (College) Symphony Orchestra.
"He was very proficient in the French horn," his wife said, and was accepted at the Juilliard School without an admission test. Instead, Gerner chose dentistry.
He was an assistant clinical instructor at CU's dental school and donated services to Boys Town and the Sisters of Mercy, she said.
He was active in civic organizations, including the West Omaha Kiwanis Club, Millard Rotary Club and Methodist Hospital Volunteers.
Gerner's outside interests included golf, bridge and traveling. "We went all over the world," his wife said.
Gerner was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Fennell Gerner. They were married 39 years.
Other survivors include a son, Dr. James G. Gerner of Omaha, and three grandchildren. The son took over his father's practice.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1165, sue.truax@owh.com
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