Gerb Memorial
July 1, 2026
A large crowd turned out to Brookings High School’s Bell Auditorium last Saturday to celebrate the life of longtime BHS teacher and queen of all things drama Bette Gerberding, who died last month at the age of 93.
Presented as one last three-act play in her honor, more than 12 friends, family members, colleagues and students spoke of her incredible career touching the lives of thousands in Brookings and around the state. They included her brother John, grandson Seth, brother Dr. Paul Graff, a cast of colleagues and friends — as well as former SDSU football coach John Stiegelmeier. Rev. Teri Johnson officiated.
Gerb once told her production of Godspell in 1979 they should return and sing “Day by Day” once again for her when she died. 10 of the 13 cast members traveled from out of town to honor that request.