Gilbert J. “Gib” Suthers, age 84 of Darlington, WI passed away Monday, December 31, 2018 at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born February 12, 1934 in Dodgeville Wisconsin the son of James and Anna (Sleeman) Suthers. Gib grew up in Mineral Point, WI until moving to Darlington in 1951. He was united in marriage to Rachel E. McKillip on May 9, 1953 at Camp Breckinridge, KY. Gib joined the United States Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany for 18 months before being honorably discharged in 1955. When he returned home, he worked as a mechanic at City Service Station, McNett Chevrolet, and Ruhl Chevrolet all in Darlington before working for the City of Darlington for 20 years. Retiring in 1999.
Gib is survived by his wife Rachel at home; one son: Terry (Mary Jane) Suthers of Monroe; five grandchildren: Douglas (Brenda) Suthers, Dan (Chrissy) Suthers, Lucas (Jamie) Suthers, Andy (Ruth) Suthers, and Jonathan Packard; 8 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son: John Suthers on December 23, 2018; one daughter-in-law: Melody Suthers on October 9, 2015; and his grandson: Kevin Suthers on November 24, 2006; two brothers: Gordon and Bill Suthers and one sister: Elsie Baker; two brothers-in-law: Donald and Joe McKillip; and two sisters-in-law: Delores Murphy and Elaine Liles.
Gib was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington. He was also a proud member of Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington and a past member of the Darlington Fire Department. Gib loved catfishing and owned a houseboat on the Mississippi River for over 30 years. During those years he caught a 30 lb. catfish on the Pecatonica River. Gib loved to dance and play cards, especially euchre with his family and friends. He cherished them all, especially his grandchildren and the memories they created together. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 7, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church (1302 Clay St., Darlington) with Rev. Craig Simenson officiating where military rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington and Monday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Gib’s name.
