Willard W. Gebers

Willard Willis Gebers, great-grandfather, grandfather, dad, husband, son & friend passed away February 9, 2016 after a brief stay at the Good Samaritan home in Holstein.

On October 19, 1922, Willard became the second son born to John and Leona (Arp) Gebers. He was preceded by his older brother Don and followed by Wayne, Merlin & Darrell. Willard was born on the farm in Battle Township. He was a farm boy through and through. His formal schooling ended in the eighth grade but he used his keen observation skills and love of reading to continually learn new things. The doctors failed Willard for his WWII military medical physical with a remark that he would not make it past 40. Willard would have liked to look up that doctor.

Willard married Ethel Strackbein March 3, 1946 in a double wedding ceremony with Ethel’s brother Art and his wife Gladys at Midway Lutheran Church. These two couples enjoyed numerous fun family times and celebrated many anniversaries together.

Willard and Ethel were blessed with three children, Gail, Carmen & Gary. These siblings kept Willard and Ethel on their toes with pranks like bringing the pony into the kitchen. We recently discovered Carmen may have been the culprit leading her brothers astray in this adventure. While Willard’s heart and soul was all about farming it wasn’t until in the 1960’s that they were able to purchase their own piece of ground. John Deere green was the only game for Willard. They worked hard and were fortunate to pay off their farm loan quickly. Willard & Ethel had many friends that they shared a few beers, played many hands of euchre and made a few memorable trips to the Iowa vs. Minnesota football games. In 1986 Willard & Ethel decided to retire and moved to a lovely home in Holstein. Their home is a prime spot for observing the Methodist Church, the busy traffic on Kiel Street and the wonderful annual Kinderfest parades. Willard gave a friendly wave to many that passed by his large picture window. Willard and Ethel celebrated 47 years of marriage before Ethel’s death in 1993.

If you ever asked Willard how he was, his rather infamous response would be “terrible” but with that twinkle in his eye you knew he was spoofing. Anna Lorenzen has been a very special close friend to Willard. They were able to enjoy memorable trips to Branson via a bus tour, Spencer fair trip where Willard made his inaugural scooter adventure and frequent excursions to local restaurants.

Willard is survived by his children, Gail (Mary) Gebers, Carmen (Steve) Koth, Gary (Barb) Gebers; special friend Anna & daughter Tara Lorenzen. Nine grandchildren, Scott (Renae) Gebers, Chad (Shannon) Gebers, Alex (Jann) Murphy, Kyle (Jen) Murphy, Caleb Campbell, Laramie (Greg) Kelly, Tyler (Allyson) Gebers, Tanner (Brooke Kahl) Gebers, & Harrison Gebers; and fourteen great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Hannah, Dane, Carly, Will, Drew, Sydney, Keegan, Chloe, Brynley, Harriet, Erin, Grace & Hayden.