Robert Eugene Gerber
August 3, 1922 ~ September 3, 2019
Robert Eugene Gerber, 97, retired salesman for Fairmont and Steffens Dairy, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in Wichita, Kansas. Robert was born on August 3, 1922 in Waterloo, Kansas. He devoted his life to his wife and family, could fix anything, had immense patience and a great smile. Robert was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He retired in 1983 from Fairmont and Steffens Dairy after 43 years. Robert married Orletta Lee Niedens on October 21, 1943. She died on their 75th wedding anniversary weekend in 2018. Robert’s residences included Dodge City, Liberal, Hutchinson, Salina and Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth (Huelskamp) Gerber; wife, Orletta Lee (Niedens) Gerber; son-in-law, Daniel G Rupp; grandson, Tejay Collins; brother, Marvin Gerber; sisters, Mary Lee Schneweis, Mabel Thesing, Jeanette Gerber, Joann Schwarz. Survivors: daughters, Sandra Rupp of Hays, Kansas, Mary Rose (Lynn) Butler of Annandale, Virginia, Rita (Mike) Gedney of Overland Park, Kansas and Carmen Gerber of Hays, Kansas; sons, Gregory (Denise) Gerber of Wichita, Duane (June) Gerber of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Shane (Dianne) Gerber of Wichita; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Gerber of Dodge City, Kansas; sister, Doris (Val) Goff of Prescott, Arizona. Rosary, 7 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2019; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 13, 2019, both at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Wichita, Kansas. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at St. Louis Cemetery, Waterloo, Kansas. Memorials established with The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214; St. Louis Catholic Church, 13015 E. Maple Grove, Mt. Hope, KS 67108 and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3642 N. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67205. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West Chapel.
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I didn’t know this gentleman but I know him and his wife raised about six kids. I know one of his daughters and you couldn’t ask for a better person. I’m sure the other kids are the same. My prayers go out to his family.
Love and prayers to all of the Gerber’s. I wish I could be there for the service. He and Orletta are together again, which is a blessing to all. I know he had a hard time dealing with her not being by his side. Love to all the family, especially sister June and Duane, Holly, Steve, Kristina and Diego. Love and prayers your way plus a lot of hugs.
I have many fond memories of this man because he is the father of my dear friend. At all of the family gatherings I attended, you could be assured there would be a story, a smile, and a laugh. He was a truly devoted husband, dad, and grandpa. He leaves precious memories behind to all who knew him. Peace to the family.
Carmen have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Prayers of comfort for all who loved him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
This is to Sandy and all her siblings…since Moms passing 11 years ago, I have lost my info line to all close friends…..I happened across your dads obit and found out about your mom, also…cant tell you all how we feel at this time. Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you all…an old friend wishes… you comfort. …Don, Joanie and LuAnn
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.