Genon Veronica Micek was born on the family farm north of Shelby on December 23rd, 1931, the third child of Tom and Vera Micek. At the early age of four, Genon started the first grade in a one room school a half mile from her home. She was an excellent student and was valedictorian her senior year.
Genon attended Midland College to earn the nine hours necessary to teach at one room schools. Her first position was Cedar View School in Polk County. She was 16 years old that first school year, and had a student who was 15 years old!
In 1949, Genon accepted a job on a guest ranch west of Colorado Springs. Being an experienced singer and guitarist, she would entertain the guests in the evening with her music. It was on this ranch she met a cowboy, Robert Kerby. This union would result in marriage in Columbus, Nebraska on December 31, 1951. They had two wonderful children, Lori Kerby Watters in 1953 and Clint in 1959.
Genon came from a teaching family, with her mother teaching 18 years and sister, Sharon Micek Sock, teaching 25 years. Genon taught in three different one room schools in Polk County. They were Cedar View, East Island, and East Pleasant Home Schools. She also taught at Centennial and High Prairie Schools in Butler County. In 1959, Genon taught three years at Glenwood School, near Kearney, when it was still a one room school. She also taught at Riverdale and Miller public schools. In 1964, the Kerby family moved to Grand Island, where Genon taught fourth grade at Wasmer Elementary. She taught there for 28 years, including 13 straight years of never missing a day of work!
Even after receiving her Bachelor’s degree at UNL in 1962 and her Master’s degree at Kearney State in 1965, she continued to pursue her personal education, earning over 50 more hours of credit. This included coursework in geography (under former UNK professor and close family friend, Marvin Stone), history, and criminal justice, among others.
Genon taught for 42 years and was one of the most respected and dedicated teachers of her time. She had an abundance of energy and a tremendous work ethic. She loved the Lord and lived her life by spiritual principals. She retired in 1992 and spent as much time as possible with her beautiful grandchildren.
Genon passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 83. Genon and Robert were married 63 years. May her life be an inspiration to all students pursuing teacher education. God’s blessing throughout your teaching career and life journey.
Submitted by Bob Kerby
Genon attended Midland College to earn the nine hours necessary to teach at one room schools. Her first position was Cedar View School in Polk County. She was 16 years old that first school year, and had a student who was 15 years old!
In 1949, Genon accepted a job on a guest ranch west of Colorado Springs. Being an experienced singer and guitarist, she would entertain the guests in the evening with her music. It was on this ranch she met a cowboy, Robert Kerby. This union would result in marriage in Columbus, Nebraska on December 31, 1951. They had two wonderful children, Lori Kerby Watters in 1953 and Clint in 1959.
Genon came from a teaching family, with her mother teaching 18 years and sister, Sharon Micek Sock, teaching 25 years. Genon taught in three different one room schools in Polk County. They were Cedar View, East Island, and East Pleasant Home Schools. She also taught at Centennial and High Prairie Schools in Butler County. In 1959, Genon taught three years at Glenwood School, near Kearney, when it was still a one room school. She also taught at Riverdale and Miller public schools. In 1964, the Kerby family moved to Grand Island, where Genon taught fourth grade at Wasmer Elementary. She taught there for 28 years, including 13 straight years of never missing a day of work!
Even after receiving her Bachelor’s degree at UNL in 1962 and her Master’s degree at Kearney State in 1965, she continued to pursue her personal education, earning over 50 more hours of credit. This included coursework in geography (under former UNK professor and close family friend, Marvin Stone), history, and criminal justice, among others.
Genon taught for 42 years and was one of the most respected and dedicated teachers of her time. She had an abundance of energy and a tremendous work ethic. She loved the Lord and lived her life by spiritual principals. She retired in 1992 and spent as much time as possible with her beautiful grandchildren.
Genon passed away on March 15, 2015 at the age of 83. Genon and Robert were married 63 years. May her life be an inspiration to all students pursuing teacher education. God’s blessing throughout your teaching career and life journey.
Submitted by Bob Kerby