Gilbert H. "Gib" Schneekloth, 88, of Living Center West formerly of Ely died peacefully Monday March 13, 2006 following a long illness.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids with Reverend Parker Knoll, officiating.  Burial will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday at the Durant Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday at Brosh Chapel, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years Leona, four sons Rev. Dr. Larry of Markham, Illinois, Gary (Sharon) of Wheatridge, Colorado, Jerry (Peggy) of Ely, and Terry (Charity) of Ely; one daughter Sherry (Benjamin Dirks) of Ely; nine grandchildren Scott (Sharon), Debbie (Bob) Adams, Randy (Kris), Rachele, Nathen (Kelli), Terry (Julie), Dr. Raelynn (Dr. Matt) Malony, G.T. (Beth), and Chris.  Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Lester, LaMoyne, and Walter, a sister Nola, and a daughter-in-law Linda Cecsarini.

Gilbert was born in Bennett, Iowa on March 23, 1917 to Herman and Lizzie (Wehde) Schneekloth.  He worked on the family farm before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1938.

He was united in marriage on October 7, 1938 to Leona Rottman in Anamosa.

Gilbert worked at Cedar Heights Farm, Vondracek Dairy, and Wilson & Company. He worked at Penford Products formerly Penick & Ford for 30 years.  He retired in 1977.  He and his wife Leona owned and operated Gib and Lee's Bar and Grill in Ely for 17 years.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Odd Fellows of Ely, and Penford Retirees.

Gilbert will be remembered for his generous nature, his sense of humor, his contagious smile, and his bib-overalls.  He was always there to lend a helping hand to friends, and no one was ever a stranger.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association.