Garth William Wilber

1924 - 2016

BRONSON - Garth William Wilber, 91 of Bronson passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at his home while surrounded by family.

A funeral service will take place Monday, February 15, 2015 at White Star Auction in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler from First Congregational Church of Bronson officiating. Interment will follow at Bronson Cemetery where the Bronson American Legion Post 259 will present Military Honors. Visitation will be Sunday, February 14, 2016 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home.

Garth was born April 22, 1924 to Henry and Katherine (Downing) Wilber in Bronson. After graduation from Bronson High School, he proudly served his county in the U.S. Army Air Corp. during WWII. Upon return from the service, he married the love of his life, June Crabill on July 28, 1946 in Bronson. Garth continued the family business by joining Wilber Auction Service, which was started in 1919. He expanded the business to Wilber Real Estate and Auction Service in 1948. In 1949 Garth grew the business again by adding White Star Auctions to the family business. He continued working with the business until just recently.

Garth was a very proud and active member of the Bronson community. He was a member of the Rotary, Kiwanis, American Legion, and Chamber of Commerce. Garth was also involved with the Bronson Fire Department, 4H, Bronson Band Boosters, and the Polish Festival Committee, where he also served as Chairman for many years. He was active with the BHS Alumni Group, and was inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame. Garth was known by many as the Voice of Bronson Sports as he announced sporting events for several years.

Mr. Wilber was passionate about his work as an auctioneer. He was a member of the Michigan and National Associations, where he was elected to the Hall of Fame of both. The State of Michigan Association named their top honor the "Garth Wilber Presidential Award", which is given annually to the association's honored auctioneer. Garth was also active in organizations dealing with his military background, including 863 Engineer Aviation Battalion and Talon's Out. In his spare time, Garth enjoyed being outdoors either gardening or fishing. He was a man of faith and active with church. He relished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Garth will be remembered as a very generous man, who was outgoing, dedicated, and loyal. He will be missed by many.

Garth is survived by his wife of 69 years, June Wilber of Bronson; his children Brent (Ginny) Wilber of Burr Oak, Brian (Linda) Wilber of Bronson, G. Burdette (Susan) Wilber of St. Charles, MO, Cathy Wilber Welch of Coldwater, Becky Wilber Myers (Dan Vorce) of Coldwater, and Elizabeth "Buffy" (Dan) Reck of Beverly Hills, MI; his sister-in-law Velma Wilber of Bronson; 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Quenten Wilber; his daughter Dawn Marie Wilber; his granddaughter Laura Noelle Wilber; and his grandson Nathaniel Brian Wilber.

Memorials may be directed to Talon's Out, Bronson Fire Department, 1st Congregational Church of Bronson, BHS Alumni Scholarship Fund, Friends of Bronson Library or a charity of choice. www.dutcherfh.com