Gilbert "Gib" Preister

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 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 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, Nebraska to Joseph and Clara (Magsman) Preister. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Cornlea through the 8th grade.

Gilbert enlisted in the United States Navy on December 9th, 1955, and was honorably discharged on November 25, 1957. He completed basic training in San Diego, California.

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, Nebraska. 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, 2 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
Step Daughter- Connie Beller
Step Grandson- Michael Jarosz
Brother-in-law – Ted Ludden
Brother-in-law – Ves Zuerlein

McKown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.