Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Gilbert Preister Obituary
March 24, 1937 - April 24, 2025
Gilbert "Gib" Preister, age 88, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at his home in Humphrey.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 28, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. Visitation is Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m., vigil, all at the church. Interment with military honors will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of plants, flowers, and statues, the family encourages memorials to be designated at a later date.
Gilbert Preister was born March 24, 1937, in Humphrey, Neb., to Joseph and Clara (Magsman) Preister. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Cornlea through the eighth grade.
Gilbert enlisted in the United States Navy on December 9, 1955, and was honorably discharged on November 25, 1957. He completed basic training in San Diego, Calif.
After Gib's honorable discharge, he returned home where he was united in marriage to Doris Kruse on June 7, 1958, at St. Francis Catholic Church. To this union Catherine, Glen, Steve, Gary, Rosemary, Christine, and Scott were born. They farmed north of Lindsay for a short time. Then Gilbert established Preister Well Company in 1960 and ran the business for 43 years before he retired in 2003. Following retirement, Gib was very active in the family business.
They spent 42 years together until Doris' death in October of 2000. Gilbert was married to Sylvia Jarosz on May 3, 2003, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Tarnov, Neb. They were married for 22 years. Together they enjoyed traveling, particularly to the US Navy reunions, and spending time with their families. Gib was a hardworking man with many talents. He was involved in the St. Francis Cemetery board and enjoyed helping the neighborhood and Humphrey Public School with snow removal.
He served on the Humphrey Fire and Rescue and was a member of the VFW Post.
He is survived by wife, Sylvia Preister of Humphrey; daughter, Cathy (Paul) Gronenthal of Humphrey; son, Glen (Julie) Preister of Humphrey; son, Steve (Denise) Preister of Lindsay; son, Gary (PJ) Preister of Valley; daughter, Rosemary (John) Wiese of Lindsay; daughter, Christine (Dean) Jarecki of Hartshorn, Mo.; son, Scott (Kay) Preister of Petersburg; stepchildren: Diana (Jim) Ainsworth, Jack Beller, Carl (Kim) Jarosz, Mark Jarosz, and Jackie Jarosz; brother, Gerard (Ramona) Preister of Columbus; sister, Mildred Ludden of Columbus; brother-in-law, Cliff Finkral of Humphrey; 33 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren, and 15 step-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by first wife, Doris Kruse; brother, Cyril (Rosemary) Preister; brother, Alphonse (Lois) Preister; sister, Rosemary (Joe) Moore; sister, Mary Lou Finkral; grandson, Todd Preister; great-grandson, Tanner Gronenthal; stepdaughter, Connie Beller; step-grandson, Michael Jarosz; brother-in-law, Ted Ludden; brother-in-law, Ves Zuerlein.
McKown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Preister
Sponsored by McKown Funeral Home - Columbus.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Gilbert Preister's name
Memorial Events
for Gilbert Preister
How to support Gilbert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gilbert Preister's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
