"Here it is two years later and I just learned of my friend's passing. I'm sorry that I didn't make contact earlier. Gib and I have been friends since we were young. One 4th of July I went to Gib's farm to celebrate. Back in those days you could order fireworks through the mail. We had a great time. One thing in particular that I remember was when we threw a cherry bomb down the old outhouse. A cherry bomb is illegal these days because it contained a small charge of TNT. When that bomb went off it put out such a smell that neither one of us could stand it. His folks had visitors that night and they had to notice the "aroma" but no one said anything. I asked to go home. Gib stopped by my place several years ago but I was gone at the time. He left his business card. I know we would of had some good laughs over that Fourth of July. RIP, Gib. "
In loving memory of
Gilbert "Gib" Jerome Walter
January 2, 1938 - January 19, 2017
Gilbert "Gib" Walter, 79, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, formerly of Glenwood, Iowa, passed away January 19, 2017 at The Josie Harper Residence Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Glenwood. Burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Glenwood in charge of arrangements.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church or Saint Albert Catholic School
Gilbert Jerome Walter was born January 2, 1938 in Shenandoah, Iowa to William & Marie (Doyle) Walter. He grew up on the farm south of Farragut, Iowa with his parents & older brother Robert. He went to country school until second grade when he began attending Farragut Community School, graduating from H.S. in 1957. Gib was always interested in sports participating in football, basketball & baseball. As an adult, he coached little league sports for many years. Gib married Kay Allen on September 13, 1958 at St. Mary's Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Patricia, Trudy, Allen & Aaron.
While growing up on the farm, Gib learned the importance of hard work. He not only worked in the fields at home but earned spending money by working for neighbors. His expertise in machines & cars began on the farm.
Gib's faith was nurtured by his parents and he learned at an early age the joy of doing tasks for others and helping those in need. He would become a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary's Buildings and Grounds Committee until it was time to turn it over to younger members! He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. A most rewarding ministry for him was becoming a Eucharistic Minister taking communion to the home bound. He provided transportation for the first students from Holy Rosary who attended St. Albert Schools until a bus was provided.
When Gib & Kay moved to Glenwood in 1958 he worked at the Ford Dealership for eleven years where he transitioned from parts man, mechanic to salesman. In 1969 Gib left to work with Roger Otto at the Chrysler Dealership until it became Gib Walter Motors, Inc. in 1975. Some years later, to Gib's delight, both Allen and Aaron came back to work with Gib. They have many stories of how important it was to Gib to treat all customers with respect. Gib told them "a good deal was when both you and the customer walk away happy...but always remember, the sale begins when the customer says no!"
Gib was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife Kay of 58 years; children, Patricia & Mark Sullivan, Trudy Walter, Allen & Michelle, Aaron & Lisa; grandchildren, Quintin Moreno, Lindsay & Luke Sullivan, Blaine & Blaire Walter, Madison & Jackson Walter; great grandchild Mara Moreno; extended relatives; and a host of friends.
As we will miss Gib, we are encouraged by the words of St. Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7 We believe eternal life is for all who believe in the Lord and love & obey Him. We will continue the race and meet you once again
Tributes
"Sorry to hear about Gib. Just found out today and sorry, too, that I missed the service and seeing all of you. My condolences to Kay, Tricia, Trudy, Allen, and Aaron and family."
"So sorry to hear of Gib's passing. He was one of the people who were so supportive and welcoming in my St. Albert years. Great memories of a great personality. Marshall Scichilone"
"My deepest sympathies to you, Kay, and your family. "
"Sincere regards to Kay , tricia,trudy,Allen,aaron and families for the passing of Gib. Many years of working together. Our prayers for all at this difficult time. ...Kay drummond & family "
"Kay and family, So sorry to hear of Gib's passing. He was always one of my Dad's special athletes at Farragut. He was always very friendly and respectful to all his teachers and fellow students and athletes. I know that Eldon and Lila were very proud to have him as their son-in-law. May God comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. God bless. In deepest sympathy, Dennis Hackett"
"I met Gib many years ago as I started working for Caskey Dodge in 1965 and then at Bluffs Dodge in 1982. He was a very nice guy. And he treated people very well. My sympathies to the family. Janet Stuhr"
"Ron and I are so very sorry about Gib.A great man who raised a great family. We love you guys. Love, Lara, Ron & Jake "