Gerrylu Hogan Mikuls
May 13, 1939 – August 18, 2025
Gerrylu Mikuls, age 86, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away August 18, 2025, at Bailey Pointe Assisted Living in Omaha. Gerrylu was born on May 13, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Frank and Marcella Hogan. She grew up in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Windsor Square where she attended St. Brendan’s Grade School and then Immaculate Heart before relocating to Omaha in 1957 with the Hogan family following her high school graduation.
In Omaha, Gerrylu enrolled at Creighton University where she soon met her husband, Dick. In college, she embarked on what would be a journey committed to a life of learning and opening new horizons. Though her path was paused for some years while raising 6 kids, Gerrylu ultimately reenrolled in college, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy at the University of Nebraska Omaha in 1978, the same year her eldest child graduated from high school. With her intellectual curiosity unsatisfied, she subsequently matriculated in law school at Creighton, earning her Juris Doctorate in 1984.
Whether at home or at work, Gerrylu was consistently an arbiter of justice and truth, routinely calling out her children’s occasional (or many) missteps or inaccurate accounts of events leading to personal injury or property damage. She always spoke the truth. As an attorney, Gerrylu provided counsel for underserved communities of Omaha, working many years for both Legal Aide Nebraska and the YWCA, always a fierce advocate for clients in need.
As a lifelong learner, Gerrylu was adamant about the importance of a good education and was expert at providing the necessary motivation for all students under her roof. A “B” was only good if an “A” was not possible. In her presence, grammar was used appropriately, often reminding Chris that “good” is not an adverb. She was an avid reader and known to lead a grandma-granddaughter book club where at her insistence only non-fiction was covered. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing music from John Denver and Helen Reddy. She loved going to the movies and could quickly provide critiques of obscure characteristics such as the cinematography or editing.
Though living in Omaha most of her life, Gerrylu never lost her love of her native state of California, relocating there from 1986 to 1990, spending time at many of the beaches she loved in Laguna, Malibu and Carmel, among others. She was most comfortable surrounded in her home by art, seashells and other mementos that reminded her of the places and people she loved. She enjoyed traveling and a good glass of wine, especially in the company of her siblings, other family, and the many dear friends she collected over the years.
Gerrylu was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Jack and Jim; many friends; and her ever faithful companions: Oliver, Katie and Seamus. She is survived by her siblings: Mary, Pat, and Carolyn; children: Greg (Janie) of Omaha, Steve (Jolene) of Omaha, Ken (Cheryl) of Parkville, MO, Chris (Jacquie) of Leawood, KS, Ted (Michelle) of Omaha, and Molly (Tommy Armknecht) of Omaha; 17 grandchildren: Joe, Mary, Jack, Kevin, Stephanie, Carly, Kendra, Kayla, Andrew, Jake, Haylea, Lillie, Madi, Jared, Andie, Ella and Hogan; 9 great-grandchildren.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday August 25, 2025, 11:30AM with VISITATION beginning at 10:30AM at West Center Chapel.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
5 Comments
God Bless you dear friend!
Love m
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Mikuls family, so sorry to here of you moms passing. As we have discussed over the years all those memories we shared growing up across the street from each other were truly special and ones I will never forget and your Mom was always there. God Bless GerryLu and all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of Gerrylu’s passing. I will always admire her zest for life and her unwavering advocacy for those less fortunate—she was truly a defender of the underdog.
I have fond memories of long talks with her, discovering our California connections, and even finding her childhood home near my sister’s in 1982. It’s a small world that she even attended the same grade school as my nephews – St. Brendens.
Though I wish I had seen her more after returning to California, and regret I cannot attend her service due to surgery, my memories of her remain strong. I raise a heartfelt toast to Gerrylu, and send my love, thoughts, and prayers to the Mikuls family.
Condolences from the DE Kissell s,to your family and friends.
My brother and I share your birthday.
AK, Helga Kissell ( Arno -son)
I worked with Gerrylu during her time at Legal Aid of Nebraska and remember her humor, kindness and compassionate work on behalf of her clients. She was a lovely lady. My sincere condolences to her family.
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