Ceasar Ernest 'Ernie' Perez

Ceasar Ernest "Ernie" Perez passed away peacefully in his home in McCook, Nebraska, in the early morning hours on November 18. His wife of 17 years, Shirley at his side. Ernie was born February 25, 1937, the fifth of ten children, to Manuel and Ruth Perez. Ernie excelled in various sports at Alliance High School, graduating with the class of 1956. He was the recipient of the D.A.V. award in football, serving as the quarterback and member of the 1955 Alliance High School State Football Champions. He was a member of the 1956 Track State Champs; Basketball Team; Representative of many clubs and earned "Most Representative" of his class. He served as a medic in the United States Army stationed in Vitry, France. He continued his education at Chadron State Teachers College and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters Degree at University of Nebraska at Kearney. He taught Science, Math and Drivers Education in various Nebraska schools including McCook Junior High. He served as an assistant coach in football, basketball, wrestling and track even after his retirement. Ernie retired from Northwest High School in Omaha where he taught from 1974-1999. In September, 2016 he was inducted into the Northwest Hall of Fame. Ernie was conscientious and very dedicated in everything he did. He made quite an impression on his students and was often recognized by them for making a positive difference in their lives. Ernies considered it a great honor and was very proud to serve as an Official Record Keeper at the Nebraska State Track Meet for over 35 consecutive years. He loved teaching and listening to music, his biggest love was sports, second only to his wife and family. Ernie was a gentle soul, quiet and humble. He carried on a legacy of a work ethic instilled by his parents. During the summer, when he wasn't teaching, he would paint houses. He used this talent to help others. He was loyal to his friends and always remained in his circle of life. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Ruth Perez; Wife Judy Baumbach; Sisters Margaret Vergith and Helen Vallejo; Brother Manuel (Chico) Perez. Great Grandson Everett Orion Bailey. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Perez (McCook); children Nancy Perez (Omaha) and John Perez (Jean) (Omaha). Stepdaughters MaryAnn (Gary) Fredrick (St Paul); Lynn Driml-Pinkal (Grand Island) (Terry McCook); Michele (Matthew) Winkelmann (Kearney); Stepsons Richard Scott Driml (Sandi) (Paradise Valley AZ); Darriel Driml (Fairhaven MA); 12 Grandchildren; 7 Great Grandchildren; Brother Richard (Dawn) Perez (Westminster, CO), Sisters Frances Gonzales (Carrollton, TX), Joan Moreno (Omaha, NE), Barbara Meisheid (Friend Mick) (Phoenix, AZ), Mary (Keith) Orr (Phoenix, AZ) and Ruth (Bill) Campbell (Alliance, NE); Sister-in-law Priscilla Perez (Lakewood CO) and numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will leave a void in the hearts of the people he leaves behind, but he will be reunited with family and friends who have gone before him. We love you and will never forget you. Rest in peace in God's grace. Memorials may be given in his name to St Pats Catholic Church McCook, McCook Heritage Senior Center, McCook YMCA. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, November 20, 2019 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Rosary Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, November 20, 2019 7:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Mass of Christian Burial St. Patrick's Catholic Church Friday, November 22, 2019 10:30 AM 409 East F Street McCook, Nebraska 69001 Graveside Service Fort McPherson National Cemetery Friday, November 22, 2019 3:00 PM 120047 S Spur 56A Maxwell, Nebraska 69151