Dr. James V. Huerter, Sr.

Dr. James V. Huerter, Sr.

August 17, 1925 – July 25, 2022

Dr. James V. Huerter, Sr. was born in Seneca, Kansas on August 17, 1925. He remained there until his graduation from high school in 1943, when he enthusiastically joined the Army in support of the United States war effort. He was stationed in Guam where he was responsible for overseeing the building of a Catholic chapel; for this he was awarded a Bronze Star. He took advantage of the GI Bill, enrolled in Creighton University in the fall of 1946, and graduated from Dental School in 1952, the same year he was voted King Creighton. He loved Creighton, especially the Blue Jays. He had men’s basketball season tickets from 1946 through 2017.  Jim was enrolled in the Creighton University Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society in 1982.

Jim married Therese Ann Quinlan on June 11, 1949. Together they welcomed 10 children into the world: 3 girls and 7 boys. Therese was the absolute love of his life, and they were married for 58 years before Therese’s death in 2007.  Jim had a large and successful pediatric dental practice from 1952 through 1997, the year he retired. He was beloved by his patients due to his kindness, humor, and sincere interest in them. He served as both President of the Omaha Dental Society 1977-78 and Nebraska Dental Society 1981-82.  Additionally, he received a Presidential Citation from the American Dental Association and was inducted into the National Fellowship of College of Dentists in 1978. In 1977, he was the recipient of Children’s Memorial Hospital Humanitarian Award for his contribution to the Cleft Palate Team.

His Catholic faith was the most important thing in his life. He attended daily Mass from the time he was 14, and he was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for 68 years.  Therese joined him in daily Mass, as she shared his love of the Catholic Church. He served as the President of the Omaha Serra Club. Jim was sincerely interested in others and was loved for his warmth, humor, and charm.

Jim led a full and happy life. Despite increasing health issues, he accepted his poor heath and limitations with acceptance, humor, and grace.

VISITATION: Friday, July 29th from 3pm to 5pm, and again from 6:15pm to 7pm, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, July 30th at 10am at Holy Cross Catholic Church.  Interment with Military Honors: Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Creighton University School of Dentistry-Dr. James and Therese Huerter Scholarship; Duchesne Academy; Holy Cross Catholic Church; and Catholic Charities of the Omaha Archdiocese. 

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

 

26 Comments

  • Shelby Moore Posted July 25, 2022 3:03 pm

    You are the sweetest guy I have ever meet and taking care of. I will never for get about you. You taught me a lot in the small amount time.

  • Sean Quinlan Posted July 26, 2022 1:53 pm

    Uncle Jim was one of a kind. A spiritual man with a great sense of humor who made each of his many nieces and nephews feel like they were his favorite ( although I’m sure I was). I also know of the many Holy Cross families he helped with tuition as well as free dental to those in need. Knowing my Dad I’m sure he stiffed his brother in law more than once but Uncle Jim still loved him and us.
    God love Uncle Jim and the Huerters!

  • Amy Begley Masker Posted July 26, 2022 5:30 pm

    Dr. Huerter was my dentist when I was a child, and he was always so kind and patient with my fear of the dentist. My sympathy to Meg and the rest of the family. May the perpetual light shine upon him.

  • Susan Coyle Naatz Posted July 26, 2022 6:55 pm

    My Uncle Jim Huerter was an amazing, loving and caring person. He treated all of us with great love and respect. He and my Aunt Therese were parents to ten incredible children! And when the Coyles and Huerters got together, we were a force! With just our two families we totaled 18 children–exactly 9 girls and 9 boys! How did those four parents do it? Uncle Jim will remain in my heart forever. I am only consoled by knowing that he is now with the love of his life, my Aunt Therese.

  • sheila bryant Posted July 26, 2022 11:49 pm

    hi, how does one describe Doc Huerter, Therese, and the Huerter Family, ” An Omaha Legend ” . I have the honor of knowing the family for many years, while the children, were all in school. They welcomed everyone into their home, as family. I was one of the extended family. I admired Doc and Therese, as they walked by our house, every evening to 7 pm mass at Holy Cross, in 1960’s . They are my Heroes, and Role Models , for living the Catholic Faith, and sharing it with the world. I admire all of the Huerter Children, and their families . Job well done , good and faithful servant, ” Doc ” James Huerter, We are blessed to know you, May You Rest in Peace , Sheila Greene Bryant and the Bryant Family Tempe Az.

  • Nancy Jo Wackerhagen Posted July 27, 2022 10:53 am

    On behalf of the Bertagni Children ( Sue, Monsignor Ted, Nancy, Steve, Tina & Jody), we send our deepest condolences to the entire Hurter family. Your parents were definite staples at Holy Cross! Such good people and so kind. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Deb Davis Posted July 27, 2022 11:40 am

    I have known Dr Jim Huerter for 38 years…he was always such a wonderful, loving and caring man.i know his family will miss him terribly and so will all of us that knew him.I want to send all my love, thoughts and prayers for the Huerter family

  • Patrick M Higgins Posted July 27, 2022 11:53 am

    Each member of the large, legendary, accomplished, thoughtful, kind, funny, generous, spiritual Huerter clan is a direct beneficiary of the quiet, sterling model set by Dr. James V. Huerter, Sr.

    His colleague and fellow Creighton University alum, the late oral surgeon Dr. L.eonard T. Higgins — himself no slouch — regarded Jim among spectacular men on the planet: for his impeccable professional standards, for his unwavering integrity, for his unwavering devotion to Therese, for knowing what matters and what doesn’t, for his iron faith, for his playful humor, for his empathy with young and old alike, for his warm way with all who found their way to his door, for giving freely of his time and talents within the community — especially to the least among us.

    Extraordinary man. Extraordinary life. Extraordinary legacy.

    The entire Huerter clan will live always in the light of his flame.

  • Susan Keefer Posted July 27, 2022 12:48 pm

    He was a wonderful man!! I was so blessed to know him. First as a child in his office, next at the Creighton Dental school and then working at his office one summer. Our three girls also went to him. He was very special!! Our daughter who is a dental hygienist also worked with him when she was going to school. Thank you for sharing your father.

  • Sue Erickson Posted July 27, 2022 4:08 pm

    Dr Huerter was our kids dentist so many years ago late 80’s early 90’s. He was so good with them I don’t remember one of them crying at all. Very kind person. My condolences to the entire family.

  • Jim and Sharon Paladino Posted July 27, 2022 7:27 pm

    Bob, please accept Sharon and my sympathy in you loss of your father. I am out of town and unable to attend services

  • Ann (Lovercheck) Mullins Posted July 28, 2022 9:30 am

    if anyone could make an anxious child feel calm about going to the dentist, it was definitely Dr. Huerter. Besides the cat clock with the wagging tail, my memories of going to him as a child were his kind smile, his compliments, and a hand on my cheek that expressed sincere kindness for others. I will always remember him!

  • Bill and Evonne Williams Posted July 29, 2022 5:34 am

    We were honored to take Dr. Huerter on the September 2008 Honor Flight to D.C. for WWII veterans. Evonne and I are sorry for your loss.

  • Fr. Jeff Eickhoff Posted July 29, 2022 11:10 am

    My prayers are with all of you Huerter family members and friends. Jim was such a wonderfully joyful, faith-filled, and kind man. It was wonderful to have the Huerters as neighbors to the Eickhoffs!
    I cannot make it to the funeral Mass, but hope to stop in at the Vigil after my evening Mass.
    God bless you all!

  • Pat Barrett Posted July 29, 2022 1:46 pm

    What a man! What a family! While diminished by his passing, we are enhanced by his legacy.

  • Andrew Sommer Posted July 29, 2022 3:57 pm

    Uncle Jim was the best. Nothing but wonderful memories of his smile and warm personality. He will be missed!

  • John Valentine Biskup Posted July 29, 2022 4:29 pm

    Dear Huerter Family,
    I wish i could be with you all this evening and tomorrow to remember and celebrate your beloved father. The last time I saw him was at Rita’s memorial. He melted me with that shining twinkle in his eye. He paid me a beautiful compliment that landed in my heart in a place that only he could have put it. Always supportive, always the twinkle, always smiling. That’s how I will keep him alive in my memory. Though his spiritual life and mine are different I greatly appreciate his example of lived faith, active love and radiant kindness. What a legacy! There must be a lot of smoking and cocktail drinking in the heavenly realms where all the Book Club members now reside. I can hear the laughter! Blessings dear Huerter friends. And thank you Dr. Huerter. I love you.
    John V. Biskup
    Asheville, NC

  • Holly Huerter-Morgan Posted July 29, 2022 7:45 pm

    From the family of Bill and Lyn Huerter: our deepest sympathies to all of you. We are sure that your dad and our dad are chatting about old times already! May the good Lord bless all of you. God rest our parents’ souls.

  • Emily Strauss Posted July 31, 2022 8:12 am

    Dr. Huerter was a wonderful man. He was my first dentist ever and let me take a prize from the treasure chest all the way through my teenage years. And he would always and every time ,pat my cheek after every visit. He was kind, thoughtful and will be missed.

  • Garry Gernandt Posted August 1, 2022 11:10 am

    My condolences to the Huerter family.

  • Lisa Pullum Posted August 1, 2022 4:42 pm

    My deepest condolences to the family of Dr Huerter. He was my first dentist and I continued to see him until he retired. I was well into my upper 30’s. I actually enjoyed the office decor and the posters on the ceiling. He was so gentle and kind. He said he had several adult patients 😊. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

  • Lisa Pullum Posted August 1, 2022 5:04 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Huerter family. Dr. Huerter was my first dentist and I continued to see him until he retired. I was well into my 30s 😊. I liked the office decor and posters on the ceiling. He was so kind and gentle. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen

  • Gregory Cavalieri Posted August 2, 2022 5:19 pm

    An awesome family. Jim and Therese were the best. I lived only a few blocks away and i went to school with the kids. Jim always greeted me with humor and kindness. There was a time in my life
    when neighbors werent always kind to me. Yet Jim always treated me fair ecept on the pool table.
    Well jim enjoy your journay and please continue your help. Ciao my friend

  • Ann M Wallace Posted August 5, 2022 6:03 pm

    So sorry to hear about Dr Huerter passing. I remember my mom (gloria Perry) talking about babysitting his kids. The kindness he gave to others.

  • Roger Elliott and Judy (Foral) Elliott Posted August 8, 2022 8:44 am

    Our condolences to the Huerter family and a thank you for hiring my cousin, Carol Bezousek, to work in the office years ago. Dr. Huerter inspired her to become a dental hygienist, and Carol inspired me, Judy, to also become a dental hygienist – all because of Dr. Huerters influence and inspiration. Thank you!

  • Lowell Fideler Posted October 24, 2022 7:19 pm

    So sorry to learn of Dr. Huerter’s passing. I always felt so welcomed when I visited the Huerter household. He was an Omaha legend. My condolences to the family.

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