Livestream ( Click Here )

Gerald J. Royal, 84, of Palmyra, passed away on February 9, 2025, at home. He was born on June 28, 1940, to Herman J. and Viola M. (Kettelhut) Royal in Lincoln. He attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse south of Palmyra until the 8th grade and then attended Palmyra High School. It was during his sophomore year in FFA that he began his career of raising purebred Hampshire breeding stock. He continued to farm and raise livestock with his brother, Glen, until his retirement. He was active in several agricultural organizations, including the Capital Pork Producers, Nebraska Pork Producers, SPF Association, and the SENEK Swine Test Station.

Gerald joined the Army Reserves and attended basic training at Fort Ord in California. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1967. On November 22, 1963, he married the love of his life, Claretta Windels, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Palmyra. Gerald was an active member of his community, serving as a member of the NNRD, an 8-year school board member for District OR-1, and as part of the Rough Riders Saddle Club. He was a lifelong member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, where he served on the committee that built St. Leo's Divine Mercy Hall. Along with his brother Glen and sister Marjorie, Gerald co-founded the PNP Convenience Store in Palmyra, which later became Casey's.

He is survived by his wife Claretta Royal; daughters Susan Royal & Ron, Diane (Jessie) Humm, Joann Huenink & Sean; grandchildren Tanya Steward, Erin (Spencer), Brian Bruggeman, Hannah Huenink, Henry (Katelyn) Huenink; great grandchildren Nell, Sawyer, Zaleah and Klaire; sister-in-law Betty Royal; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Glen, sister & brother-in-law Marjorie & Orlin Moss.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Palmyra. The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page. Private family burial will follow at St. Leo's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Palmyra Rural Fire.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com