Gilbert A. Kaebisch

Gilbert A. Kaebisch, Jr., of Dover Township passed away on January 16, 2026 at the age of 84 years. He was born on January 26, 1941 in Waterford, WI to Esther & Gilbert A. Kaebisch, Sr. and lived out his life in Burlington on his family homestead. He attended English Settlement Grade School, Burlington High School and Gateway Technical College. He was drafted and served our country in the Army stationed in Germany. While maintaining the family farm he also worked many years and retired from the Racine County Highway Department in Rochester. Gil was a complex man who lived life on his own terms. An industrious worker, he understood the value of a well-earned dollar and deeply respected independence and hard work in others. In his retirement, Gil embraced his adventurous side, setting out to explore the world with trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and Las Vegas. However, he was perhaps best known closer to home as a daily fixture at Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer. Whether you loved him or found him a bit cantankerous, everyone at the diner knew the rules: Gil arrived at 10:00 AM sharp, and you knew better than to sit on "his" stool at the counter. He spent his mornings bantering with the waitresses, debating the nuances of the fluctuating stock market, and occasionally complaining about his toast. Despite his gruff exterior, Gil had a soft spot for children. He appointed himself the guardian of the candy dish, picking out the Tootsie Rolls for himself—but always with a twinkle in his eye, ready to offer his beloved candy to any child who walked through the door, even if they hadn't finished their breakfast yet. Gil will be missed by the Burlington community and remembered for his love of his house and farmland that was his childhood home. Over the years he could be found watching his sisters and niece play softball. He especially enjoyed spending special time with friends, his goats and motorcycles.

Survivors include his sisters Lynn Henning and Rhonda Owen, nieces, nephews and devoted friends. Preceding him in death were his parents Gilbert A. Kaebisch, Sr. and Esther Kaebisch and two sisters, Rosella (Joan) Christiansen and Betty Markham along with brothers-in-law and other relatives. A special thank you to all of Gil’s dear friends at Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer Restaurant in Burlington, and to Amber Schneider and her son Jackson Maletis, Gil’s honorary daughter and grandson. Remember Gil through the memories you have of your time with him and memorials in his honor may be made to a charity of your choice.

A military honors service for Gil will be held on Monday, March 9th, 2:00 PM at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI (Please meet at the cemetery office by 1:45 pm, there will be a procession to the committal shelter for the military honors at 2pm). Immediately following the military honors, there will be a Celebration of Gil's life at Sheila Mae's Town Fryer, 116 N. Main St., Burlington, 53105.