Wayne Edson Gibberd

Wayne Edson Gibberd, 91, Wausau, died Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Aspirus Hospital in Eagle River.

He was born March 23, 1930 in Wausau, son of the late Edson and Marie (Zielsdorf) Gibberd.  On August 20, 1955, he married Gladys Bradfish at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau.  She preceded him in death on October 23, 2015.

From 1948 until 1952, Wayne served as a Petty Officer Third Class and made Petty Officer Second Class with the Aviation Ordinance in the  United States Navy in Panama and Newfoundland.  For 32 years, Wayne worked as a draftsman for American Can/James River Corp., until his retirement.

As a loyal member of the Boy Scouts, Wayne’s favorite quote since the age of 12 was “and now may the Great Master of all Scouts be with us ‘til we meet again”.  Wayne became an Eagle Scout in 1946, earned the Silver Beaver Award, and a member of various committees for the district and Samoset Council where he met many good people and made lifelong friendships.  He earned the Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor and was an Assistant Scoutmaster.  He also did a lot of volunteer work for the Boy Scout National Jamboree and Camp Phillips in Weston.

Wayne joined St. Michael Catholic Church in 1960, where he served as a Mass server, usher, a member of the cemetery committee, counted money and distributed communion at the hospital for the sick.

Survivors include, his children, Catherine (Rick) Thompson, Waldorf, Maryland, Barbara (David) Danko, Gilman, Eileen (Stephen) Roberts, Appleton and Michael (Sandra) Gibberd, Mosinee; six grandchildren, Sean (Emily) Thompson, Vanessa (Justin) Bressler, Kristina Thompson, Joshua (Derek) Roberts, Aaron Roberts and Brian Gibberd; three great grandchildren, Arleena Thompson and Olive and June Bressler; two sisters-in-law, Helen Wiskowski, Aurora, Illinois and Patricia Bradfish, Schofield; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Gladys, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas and Mark Gibberd; three nephews, Nicholas Gibberd, Dale Bradfish and David Martin; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law,  Chris Gibberd, Virginia and Joseph "Bud" Martin and Jerome Bradfish.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.  Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside,  Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau.  Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Primrose and the staff at Renaissance for the outstanding care and compassion for Wayne.

Memorials or donations can be made to Boy Scouts of America Samoset Council and/or Camp Phillips.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com