Neligh Native To Be Honored As Hero During Husker Game

Courtesy Huskers.com

A Neligh native who helped others survive the Pilger tornado will be honored as Nebraska's hero during the Husker football game on Friday.

Gene Willers, now of Pilger, will be recognized for his acts of heroism as part of the Hy-Vee Heroes Game. Austin Benson will be honored as Iowa's hero for saving his friend after she was thrown from a horse.

Willers, the Midwest Bank president in Pilger, is credited with saving the lives of others as the F4 tornado destroyed most of the town on June 16.

After spotting a tornado in the sky, he guided eight people into the bank's vault and locked it.

"It only locks from the outside and you can't lock it from the inside," Willers told reporters. "And it had to be locked, otherwise the tornado would suck the door open."

After locking them safely in the vault, he took cover in the basement, just minutes before the tornado hit.

"I was prepared to die," Willers said. "I thought I was going to die. We're like a family, you know, I'm the president and I take care of my family."

After they believed it was all clear, he opened the vault and everyone came out. But, a short time later, they spotted another tornado, and Willers again locked them in the vault. He headed back to the basement. About five minutes later, everyone was able to safely come out. 

Click here to watch a Huskers.com video of Willers and his bank employees as they describe that horrific day in detail.

Willers and Benson will both have their names inscribed on the game trophy for their heroic acts. They were nominated by fans and chosen by staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross. 

The Huskers and Hawkeyes kickoff at 11 a.m. on Friday.