Jerry we are sorry for your loss

Gordon “Skip” Milton Gerbitz, age 83 of Briggsville, Wisconsin passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home on Monday, December 22, 2008.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oxford with Reverend Brian Rohde officiating. Please join the family for a time of fellowship and a luncheon following the service at the church.
Gordon was born December 1, 1925 in New Haven Township of Adams County, Wisconsin the son of Edward and Emma (Labrenz) Gerbitz. In July of 1949 he married Delores Steuerwald in Portage, Wisconsin. Over his 59 years of farming, Gordon was involved in many activities; Pork Producers, on the State Pork Producer’s Insurance Committee for 1 year; Farmer’s Home Administration board for 3 years; Douglas Doers 4-H Club including the duty of softball coach for 10 years and pork production leader for 12 years; International Crane Foundation; Central Livestock Show swine committee for 20 years; Marquette County Fair; Neenah Valley Saddle Club; fire warden for 19 years; St. John’s Lutheran Church building committee for 5 years and membership committee for 3 years; family card playing; monthly 500 card club; Wednesday night poker at neighbor’s houses for 20 years; weekly men’s bowling team and couple’s league; Jolly Squares square-dancing and going to auctions.
Gordon was in tune with the land, had a love of nature, blending agriculture with preservation of wildlife. He used innovative farming practices, especially in using his own designs for his farrow to finish hog operation. Gordon’s dream of making his farm a 3 generation farm will be carried on by his grandson. He loved riding his 4 wheeler over the farm and woods and watched generations of vultures hatch in a tree in the woods. He gave access to his land for goose, turkey and deer hunting and participated eagerly in the hunt himself. He also enjoyed sightseeing traveling with his family. Gordon has the respect and friendship of family and neighbors. His humor, good-natured friendliness and generosity will be missed by all.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Delores Ada (Steuerwald); daughters, Sandra Rowe of Briggsville, Susan (Bill Johnston) of Billings, MT, Sally (David Ashline) of Moreno Valley, CA; a son, Gerald (Eva Foster), of Briggsville; grandchildren, Dennis Gerbitz and Denise Soule, Jeremy Johnston (Vanessa) and Josh Johnston, Christopher Rowe (Mary) and Sonya Rowe and Andrew Ashline; great grandson, Dillan Soule; brothers, Raymond (Phyllis) and Alfred (Lorena) and sister Lucille (Darrell) Trapp. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Scott Ashline; parents, Edward and Emma; brother, Willard; sisters, Evelyn Ribaudo, Arlene Luger and Eleanor.
Memorials may be given to Home Health United Hospice or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.