Gilbert U. "Gib" Graber

Mineral Point – Gilbert U. “Gib” Graber, age 98, of Mineral Point, died peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Greenway Manor in Spring Green. Gib was born to Urban and Blanche (Biddick) Graber on August 23, 1926. Gib married the love of his life, Audrey Jewell, on July 26, 1952. Together they had six children. Gib was a WW II veteran, serving 18 months in the US Navy, despite his inability to swim. After returning from war, he hitchhiked from Chicago to Mineral Point. He and his mom met with a huge hug as they ran to one another on the farm road to be reunited. Together they listened to WGN radio and that’s where his love of Chicago sports teams was born. Gib and Audrey attended many Cubs games and the Annual Die Hard Chicago Cubs Fan Convention in Chicago annually, as long as they were able to attend. Gib farmed the earth his entire life. He also drove school bus for the Mineral Point School District for decades until he retired. He transported generations of families. He drove (and fed!) the sporting teams and also “coached” a little alongside his dear friend, Ron Murphy. Gib gave every child on his bus $1 for their birthday. He also gifted them plastic farm animals for their toy barns at home. Gib also had a love for horses and harness racing. He raced his horses at the local fairs and Quad City Downs. He even named two of his winners after himself and his mother, Gib and Blanche’s Beauty. Gib is survived by his children, Greg, Tim (Carol), Teresa (Al) Brown, Dan (Pam), Laurie, and Diane (Mike) Nice; his beloved sister, Ruth Ann Neff; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12: 00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:50 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, with Military Graveside rites accorded by the Mineral Point American Legion Post No. 170. The family would request everyone attending to wear Cubs, Bears, Pointers attire, if possible. Special thanks to his outstanding care team, Dr. Gordon Grieshaber, Chelsey Wallace Bowden, Kristen May, Nikki Ray, Sherry Ray, Sarah Kieffer, Agrace, the Veterans Administration, and the compassionate staff at Greenway Manor for their exceptional care he received while there. Lastly, the family would like to give a special thank you to granddaughter Cory Lynn Bennett for her dedication and compassionate care of Gramps the last five years and also would like to thank the Gorgen Funeral Home and Father Alex for the service.

Gilbert U. "Gib" Graber

August 23, 1926 - January 25, 2025