Lauded teacher and decorated U.S. Army veteran Ernest Sigler, DDS, a longtime faculty member at the UNMC College of Dentistry, who one friend said “lived an impressive life but always was remarkably humble,” died Oct. 31 at age 79.
Services will be held in Lincoln for Dr. Sigler on Nov. 23 and 24. Dean Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, said the college’s mandatory clinic on Nov. 24 will be canceled so the UNMC community can attend Dr. Sigler’s celebration of life. (See included information for complete services.)
Dr. Sigler won many teaching awards during his career, including being named Outstanding Teacher by the UNMC Faculty Senate in 2014. At that time, he said two of the most rewarding things about teaching were “the relationships you form with students and faculty” and “seeing students improve, especially those who struggled initially.”
Services for Dr. Sigler
A visitation for Dr. Sigler will be held Sunday, Nov. 23, from 3-5 p.m. at Roper and Sons, South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive in Lincoln. His celebration of life will be Monday, Nov. 24, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 84th Street and Pioneers Boulevard in Lincoln. Internment of ashes will be at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, on Nov. 25 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the University of Nebraska Foundation, College of Dentistry – Veteran’s Clinic. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to the University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508, or to Teammates, Lincoln Chapter.
Read Dr. Sigler’s obituary and share a memory or condolence.
Dr. Sigler was awarded the Maude Faculty Fellowship in Dentistry in 2008, also in recognition of his exceptional teaching abilities.
Longtime friend and colleague Merlyn “Dub” Vogt, DDS, called Dr. Sigler an educator who was deeply respected, admired and loved by his students.
“The many teaching awards he received reflect the profound impact he had on their lives,” Dr. Vogt said. “His care and compassion were genuine. We have been blessed with many outstanding faculty members at the college, and I would place Dr. Sigler among the very best.”
A 30-year Army veteran, Dr. Sigler retired from military service in 2005 at the rank of colonel. He joined UNMC in 2006, retiring in 2020 but continuing to teach part time until May of this year.
During his military career, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Expert Field Badge, Order of Military Medical Merit, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Legion of Merit.
His dental career was just as celebrated. In addition to those already mentioned, Dr. Sigler’s professional honors and awards included the Dr. T.H. Williams Memorial Award, Mentor of the Year, Judson C. Hickey Scientific Writing Award, the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry Alumni Associate Outstanding Educator Award, the Dr. Kenneth Batenhorst Memorial Faculty Four-Year Teaching Award twice and numerous faculty recognition awards from dental multiple classes.
“Dr. Sigler embodied everything we value in a teacher, mentor and colleague,” said Gerard Kugel, DMD, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. “He combined remarkable clinical skill with a deep compassion for his students and patients. His impact extended far beyond the classroom—he inspired excellence, professionalism, and kindness in everyone around him.”
Dr. Kugel added: “Dr. Sigler served his country and his profession with humility and distinction, and his legacy will live on in the countless students and colleagues whose lives he touched. We are honored to have had him as part of our College of Dentistry family.”
“A remarkable person, an outstanding teacher and role model,” is how former dental dean John Reinhardt, DDS, described his close friend. “He was beloved by students, faculty, staff and patients. Day-to-day, he always focused on doing his job well and making those with whom he interacted feel respected. His character, empathy and positivity set a wonderful example for students, as well as putting them at their ease and inspiring them to strive to be their best.”
Dr. Sigler also was the starting quarterback for the 1969 Nebraska Cornhuskers, but he chose dental school over coaching after a two-year stint as a graduate coaching assistant for the team.
In a 2019 interview with KETV, he spoke about his football career but also his love for teaching. “You can mentor young people, and you have a chance on a daily basis to make a difference in their lives,” he said.
In an interview with UNMC Today following his Outstanding Teacher Award, he said, “It’s very rewarding when students tell you — while they are in school or after they graduate — that you have made a positive difference not only in their professional career, but also in their growth as a person.”
Erica Jasa, DDS, was one of those students. She called Dr. Sigler one of the most compassionate people she ever met.
“He showed a kindness and dedication toward his students that was inspiring,” she said. “He would remember birthdays or would be able to talk about hobbies – he always found a way to connect that wasn’t dentistry.
“He was a calming presence, too, if you were having a bad day or needed encouragement.”
As a student, Dr. Jasa said, she could see Dr. Sigler’s love and passion for teaching.
“He had an impact on so many lives,” she said. “I know all of his students would agree that we were honored to learned from him.”
A UNMC College of Dentistry alumnus, Dr. Sigler received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1975 and completed postgraduate training in advanced education in general dentistry in Fort Hood, Texas.
“It’s difficult to accept that he is no longer with us,” Dr. Vogt said. “He was one of the finest individuals I have ever known. I miss him dearly but remain profoundly grateful to have called him a colleague and friend.”
