Gilbert Erbisch Obituary

Gilbert Erbisch

Gilbert Henry "Gil" Erbisch, of St. Simons Island, passed peacefully from this life at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, at the age of 99.

Gil was born at home on May 8, 1925 to Adolph and Emma Wiske Erbisch in Sebewaing, Michigan. He grew up in Sebewaing, attending Emmanuel Lutheran School in grades 1-8, and graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1943. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II and served for two years in pilot training in various stations in the United States. He received an honorable discharge in 1945.

Gil attended Central Michigan College of Education on the GI Bill and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. He began his teaching career in Homer, Michigan, teaching high school physics, chemistry and biology, and earned a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1964. During this time, he served as the traveling science teacher for the National Science Foundation. Gil moved to Colorado and taught at St. Anne's Episcopal School and Graland Country Day School. He retired from Graland in 1997.

In addition to his years as an educator, Gil was also a union carpenter, a patented inventor, inventing a game based on physics principles, and an artist. His sculpture, "Rural Memories," was donated to the city of Fruita, Colorado, and is installed on Aspen Street, the main street in town.

He has been an active member of Lions Club International, both in Michigan and in the Golden Isles Lions Club, who awarded him the honor of being a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Gil was predeceased by his parents; and his five siblings, Helen, Clarence, Art (Carol), Nelson (Betty) and Marie Rhines (Jerry); and his son, William.

He is survived by his life partner, Joy Coleman; and her sons, Brent and Kirk Thompson.

Gil married Evelyn Stengle in 1949, and is survived by their children, Robert Erbisch (Deborah), Carol Phelps and Katherine Marini (Sal); his grandchildren, Mike Erbisch (Charlotte), Sarah Thimms (Mattias), Juliana Phelps, Ryan Marini (Cristie) and Stacie Waller (Justin); numerous great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter, Lilyann Erbisch.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 26, 2024, in the chapel of St. Simons United Methodist Church.

The family wishes to thank Heartland Home Hospice for the loving and compassionate care they gave Gil and the family.

Donations in memory of Gil may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and National Cremation are overseeing the arrangements.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, October 16, 2024