WASHINGTON...Loren M. "Pete" Gerber, 91, a long-time resident of Washington, passed away Friday morning, February 25, 2011 at Central Park Health Care in Brandon, Florida.
Pete was born on Apri 18, 1919 in Eureka to Andrew and Edna McClintock Gerber. He married Marjorie I. Ficht in Springfield, Illinois on June 6, 1942. Marjorie died on November 3, 2009 in Peoria.
Among those surviving is, one son, Kent (Gloria) Gerber of Wellington, Nevada; one daughter, Gail (Kelvin) Best of Tampa, Florida; one sister, Jeanette (Robert) Akin of Rock Island, IL; four grandchildren, Michelle, Scott, Monica, and Carrie; three great grandchildren, Jacob, Ashley, and Marley; and some very special nieces and nephews. Pete was also preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.
Pete was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Army’s Super Sixth Armored Div. under Patton. He was a member of the Eureka American Legion Post #466 for 67 years.
He retired from Caterpillar in 1977 after 35 years where he was a processing engineer in the planning department.
For well over half a century, Pete was a very active member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities—Sunday School team teacher with his wife Marjorie, board of trustees, usher, greeter, building committee, and volunteer on-call. He considered EUMC his extended family.
He especially enjoyed golf, football, bowling and, of course, baseball. There was never a more loyal Cub’s fan!
Since his retirement, he was able to enjoy winters in Florida, but Washington was always “home”.
Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. with Pastor John Hauck officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Military Rites Team and the U.S. Army. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 until time of services. Mason-White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Evangelical United Methodist Church.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com