Gerald A. Garber

Gerald “Jerry” Garber, 65 of Eau Claire went to rest peacefully, Monday, July 18th at MCHS surrounded by the love of his family after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Jerry was born in Black River Falls, WI on January 16th, 1951 to Leroy and Betty (Bullock) Garber of Tomah, WI. Jerry graduated from Tomah High in 1969 and shortly after he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he bravely served from 1969 -1972 including fighting in the Vietnam War. Shortly after honorably discharging from the U.S. Army, Jerry met the love of his life, Leaf (York) and on January 15th, 1981 they got married and through the good and the bad, through sickness and in health they recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Jerry worked many jobs throughout the years but the ones that meant the most were working for Uniroyal Tire Company for over 20 years up until the Eau Claire location closed, Mechanic at Rick’s Service Center, Maintenance Supervisor at the former Quality Inn and his most recent position that he retired from as a Floor Technician at the Syverson Lutheran Home. Jerry enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family and those he held close, keeping the house clean, the yard looking nice and watching game shows. Jerry will always be remembered as hardworking, compassionate, someone you could always rely on and someone who always put everyone else before himself. Jerry was always a protector and now will continue to protect and look over those close to him. Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Leaf; children, Josh and MacKensie (Brian) Garber; his little buddy and grandson, Izaiah; siblings, George (Karen) Garber of Great Falls, MT, Judy Keeth of Waynesville, MO, James (Linda) Garber of Warrens, WI, Jack (Connie) Garber of Warrens, WI ,Rita (Todd) Steffel of Tomah, WI, and Carol (Gary) Mitchell of Waynesville, MO; Sister in law Sonja Rieder of Chippewa Falls, WI; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his infant son, Nicholas; his parents, LeRoy and Betty Garber; Grandparents, Ralph and Grace Garber, Perl Bullock and Leah Gentille; mother and father-in-law, Sully and Sigrid York; and nephew, Nathan Garber. Due to Jerry’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service but a Celebration of Life in Eau Claire, WI, on Sunday, July 31st. The exact location and time is still being determined. There will also be a Celebration of Life for family and friends at his brother, James (Linda) Garber’s house on Saturday, September 3rd in Warrens, WI.

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