EARL EDWARD GERBER

Earl Edward Gerber, age 96, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Plymouth Care Center.

He was born Jan. 16, 1914 in Plymouth, son of the late Hubert and Emma (Best) Gerber.

On June 4, 1936, he was united in marriage to Verna Kaestner. The couple made their home on Reed Street and later moved to Bishop Street. Verna preceded him in death Oct. 27, 2006.

Earl got his first job driving oil truck and later worked as a bookkeeper for Clark Oil. He later worked for Lakeshire Marty Cheese Co. driving truck from 1941 to 1947. He then became co-partner of a service station with Albert Mueller’s son-in-law, Les Ribbibk, working for Shell Oil Co. until 1949. After that, he went into business for himself in the same Torke building at the corner of Mill and Eastern Avenue in downtown Plymouth. He called the business “Earl’s Shell Station.” It was there he not only pumped gas but also became sought after as an excellent mechanic. After he left, around 1967, the building was torn down. The land remains today and is known as the Plymouth Veteran’s Park. He went back to driving semi-truck, this time, for Quality State Oil Co. until he retired in 1973.

He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth.

After he retired, he took up the game of golf, which became his major hobby. He was an avid player and could be seen many days at the Quit-Qui-Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake, where he managed to shoot a hole-in-one in 1998 and again in 1993.

He also loved playing cards with family and friends, taking car trips, and reading his newspapers and magazines. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh at his own jokes. He had a great love of animals, especially his dogs. He could be seen walking around town almost every day no matter what the weather.

He is survived by a daughter, Rochelle Juedes of DeForest; a granddaughter, Pam (William) Frederick of Waunakee; a grandson, Robert (Kari) Juedes of DeForest; and six great-grandchildren, Jamie, Amy and Jonathan Frederick and Mark, Megan and Michael Juedes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife; and a son-in-law, Russ Juedes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, at Salem United Church of Christ in Plymouth with the Rev. James Hoppert officiating. Burial will follow in the Plymouth Woodlawn Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established in the name of Earl E. Gerber. “Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant.” Online condolences may be sent through www.wittkoppschneider.com.

Wittkopp-Schneider Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff of the Plymouth Care Center for the wonderful care and concern shown toward them and Earl over the past years.