Gilbert Hiebel

Gilbert Hiebel, age 95, of Alexandria, died Thursday, January 2, 2014. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday, January 10, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Greg Billberg will officiate. Interment will follow in the Independent Bohemian Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Gilbert was born October 14th, 1918 to Louis & Louise (Prchal) Hiebel on the family farm in Lake Mary Township. He had one older sister, Helen. Gilbert passed away at Bethany Ecumen on January 2, 2014 at the age of 95. He attended Country School Dist. 13 till the 8th grade. After his education, he helped his parents on the farm. Gilbert married Irene Kalina on October 7, 1940 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. They settled down on his parent?s farm where they worked side by side in the field and milking cows. They had two daughters, Janice and Elsie. Gilbert and Irene loved doing many things together ? visiting and playing cards with friends and relatives, square dancing in homes and with the Alex Round Squares Club. They loved fishing together on the boat in summer and in the fish house in the winter. After selling the cows and renting out the land he enjoyed mowing lawn as a past time. He also took pleasure digging in the soil and planting a big garden with Irene. In December 2009 (2 years after Irene passed away) he moved into Bethel Manor Assisted Living. It was something he didn?t want to do after being born, raised and making a home for his family on the same place for 90 years. However, he made new friends and socialized out in the lobby, which got him the name as ?The Greeter?. In July 2012 he needed more help with health issues and was placed in Bethany Ecumen Long Term. At first he disliked that idea, but after a few weeks he called it home and enjoyed visiting with all the nurses and administration. He made some very special friendships. He loved to talk ? especially about fishing, farming, his two girls and the grandchildren. He had a special spot in his heart for the great-grandchildren and enjoyed when they came to visit him. Gilbert is survived by his daughters Janice Yanda of Alexandria, and Elsie (Henry) Revering of Garfield, sister Helen (Allan) Blair of Peaceful Bliss in Alexandria, sister-in-law Lilly Ann (Joe) Marusak of Alexandria, seven grandchildren, Mavis Yanda, Les (Angie) Yanda, Steve Yanda, Gail (Dean) Beck, Carla Gill, Lisa (Bob) Hagedorn, and Jerry (Stephanie) Revering. Also surviving are 13 great-grandchildren and 2 step great-grandsons. Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife Irene of 66 years, his parents, son-in-law, Robert Yanda, grandson-in-law, Andrew Gill, sister-in-law, Helen (Henry) Trousil, brother-in-law, Howard Hvezda, a stillborn granddaughter and three stillborn great-grandchildren. Casket bearers are Gilbert?s nephews Dale Marusak, Duane Marusak, David Marusak, Donald Trousil, Archie Trousil & David Hvezda. Honorary casket bearers are Joann Pikop, Joyce Pederson, his grandchildren & great-grandchildren.