Dr. Claris “Doc” Sell
Dr. Claris “Doc” Sell, age 87, of Gibbon, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney. Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 28, at Faith United Methodist Church in Gibbon with Pastor Doreen Toe officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Gibbon.
Memorials are suggested to Gibbon Faith United Methodist Church, Gibbon Volunteer Fire Department, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.
Dr. Claris Lee Sell “Doc” was born on December 31, 1938, in Loup City to Leo and Antonia (Kerchal) Sell. Doc grew up in Arcadia and spent many years working with his father for Sell Well Drilling and Irrigation. This was an occupation he loved until his father tragically passed away when he was a senior in high school. Upon graduation from Arcadia High School in 1957, he went on to attend Kearney State College.
In 1959, he married Sandra Ritz, his high school sweetheart, in Arcadia. They moved to Lincoln after Doc was accepted into the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry.
While in dental college, Doc was elected to serve as president of the Delta-Sigma-Delta dental society. After graduation from dental college in 1966, Doc and Sandy moved to Gibbon, where he was recruited by D.E. McGregor to open the Gibbon Dental Clinic. Known for his dedication to excellence, Doc continually kept up with the latest dental innovations and upheld the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. In 2004, a vision problem forced Doc into early retirement.
Doc was blessed with three children, Dr. Matthew (Shannon) Sell, Daniel (Jodi) Sell, and Christyne (Ward) Eckloff. He also had grandchildren, Sydney (Cameron) Druse, Grant Sell, Mitchell Sell and Brooke Sell; and great-grandchildren, James and Michael Druse. Doc enjoyed attending his kids’ and grandkids’ activities. Doc loved his family wholeheartedly and was always proud of their accomplishments.
Doc was involved in several organizations, including Gibbon Jaycees (National Director), Lions Club, Gibbon School Board, Chamber of Commerce, Gibbon Planning Commission and Gibbon City Council, and was instrumental in acquiring an overpass in Gibbon. He was also a member in the Nebraska Dental Association, Buffalo County Dental Society, Buffalo County Hospital Board, and the Buffalo County Jail Committee. Doc was a member and actively involved in the Faith United Methodist Church where he served on many committees. He played a key role as co-chairperson in the building of the church in 1976.
Doc enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, bowling, trap shooting, and dancing. Doc’s true passion was fishing. He was a member of the Fort Kearney Bassmasters and fished many tournaments in his life. He had a lifelong love of sports, especially the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, who he believed were always destined to win. A devoted fan, he proudly held Nebraska football season tickets for sixty-four years.
Doc is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, his sister Virginia (James) Trotter, sister-inlaw Elna (John) Sell, and many extended family and friends.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Lloyd Sell and Don Sell.